BioControl, a UK-based company developing a phage-based treatment for pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, has raised £500,000 in its first institutional round.

This comprised £250,000 from The Capital Fund and £250,000 from existing shareholders.

Pseudomonas is highly resistant to antibiotics; infections are persistent and can be lethal. Pseudomonas is a particular threat to cystic fibrosis sufferers. Biocontrol’s phage therapy has proved effective in phase two trials for topical applications. Biocontrol is now targeting the deep lung.

Patrick Benham-Crosswell of BC Capital, BioControl’s corporate finance adviser, said: “This investment enables BioControl to develop its therapy in preparation for wider trials. As the extent of pseudomonas infections becomes known, demand for Biocontrol’s phage-based therapies is likely to rise.”