Leader in Antibacterial Phage Technology Micreos Secures Growth Capital

WAGENINGEN, The Netherlands, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Micreos of The Netherlands has attracted additional capital for accelerated growth of its phage business. Altria Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Altria Group, has acquired a5% stake in Micreos, viewed as global leader in phage technology for targeted control of bacteria.

Phage technology is set to change the world, because it is safe, simple, natural and has no side effects. Unlike antibiotics and chemicals, phages kill only their target bacteria without affecting other bacteria, which often are beneficial. Therefore, in many situations it is the most logical way to deal with unwanted bacteria, especially in the 'post-antibiotic' era.

Micreos (http://www.micreos.com) developed the first FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)-approved phage product for the food safety market. It has phage-based products on the market and in the pipeline. For the food chain this includes LISTEX against the deadly Listeria and SALMONELEX against Salmonella. The company will be launching a new series of anti-bacterial human health products later this year, under the GLADSKIN brand.

According to Dr. Margareth Chan, Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), there is an emerging global crisis caused by rapidly evolving resistance among bacteria responsible for common infections that threaten to turn them into untreatable diseases. "A post-antibiotic era means in effect an end to modern medicine as we know it. Things as common as a child's scratched knee could once again kill."

Mark Offerhaus, CEO of Micreos:  "Society desperately needs new solutions in the fight against bacteria such as MRSA, but even for many simple bacterial problems, phage technology offers an elegant solution. To meet demand for our products we are currently building the world's first GMP-quality (Good Manufacturing Practices) phage production plant. The investment by Altria Ventures will further accelerate availability of our products."  

About Altria Ventures

Altria Ventures is the venture capital subsidiary of Altria Group.  It invests in companies that deliver technology and consumer propositions that may have synergies with one or more of the Altria family of companies. More information: http://www.altriaventures.com.

About Micreos

Micreos develops phage-based products against dangerous bacteria and is viewed as global technology leader spearheading this exciting new field. The company focuses on antibacterial solutions for human health and food safety. More information: http://www.micreos.com.

About Phage Technology

Phages and phage-derived enzymes can be used for targeted control of unwanted bacteria. They are essential for life on earth, and kill roughly half of all bacteria on the planet every two days. Phages are the most abundant micro-organisms on earth. They are harmless to humans, animals and plants and are naturally present in high numbers on our skin, in our gut, in our environment, in our water and many of our foods. We consume high numbers of phages with our food, without any impact on human health or on taste and enjoyment of the product.

SOURCE Micreos