Adelaide to develop world-first phage therapy for EB
“The clearest sign yet that things are moving”: Australian families see new hope as EBRPA backs world-first wound treatment for Epidermolysis Bullosa
A new treatment approach for people living with the rare, painful skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa is being developed in Adelaide — and for the families who have waited longest, it is proof that research is finally accelerating.
For Australians living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) — a rare genetic condition that causes chronic, painful skin wounds — progress has too often felt out of reach. That is beginning to change.
EB Research Partnership Australia (EBRPA) today confirmed its role in a new South Australian collaboration developing bacteriophage therapy — naturally occurring viruses that target harmful bacteria — to treat the chronic wound infections that shape daily life for people living with EB, and to reduce their reliance on antibiotics.
EBRPA Chair and EB parent Nathan Burmeister said the project marks a turning point for families who have carried the weight of waiting.
“I’ve sat on both sides of this — as a dad watching research move too slowly, and now as Chair making sure every dollar counts,” he said.
“This is being built right here in Adelaide, with world-class science behind it. For families like mine, that’s not just a milestone on paper. It’s the clearest sign yet that things are genuinely moving. I’m proud of what it took to get here, and I know what it will mean for the families still waiting.”
HOW IT WORKS — EVERY DOLLAR, MULTIPLIED
EBRPA operates on a venture philanthropy model: it doesn’t simply donate to research, it invests in it — deploying community-raised funds where they draw the greatest return. This project is a clear example. For every dollar EBRPA commits, a further three dollars in co-investment follow from industry and government partners.
“Through this partnership, every dollar we put in brings three more with it,” Mr Burmeister said. “What our community raises goes further than it ever has — straight into research that matters to families like mine.”
The collaboration — bringing together EBRPA, Adelaide University, AusHealth and the SMART CRC — represents a joint investment of more than $1 million over 2.5 years. It is the SMART CRC’s first project, and it is being delivered entirely in South Australia.
THE SCIENCE
Led by Adelaide University’s Professor Sarah Vreugde and delivered at the AusHealth Phage Therapy Centre in Adelaide, the project will identify and develop combinations of bacteriophages that can be applied directly to EB wounds as a topical treatment.
AusHealth CEO Dr Justin Coombs said the approach had already shown strong early results against infection. “This substantial collaboration has the potential to make a real difference to the lives of EB patients,” he said. “It could provide a much-needed new treatment — improving wound healing and reducing reliance on antibiotics — while building evidence for phage therapies that could benefit patients with chronic and antibiotic-resistant infections well beyond EB.”
SMART CRC CEO Professor Simon Cool said the work reflected the Centre’s purpose. “The SMART CRC exists to accelerate the translation of therapies that improve lives,” he said. “Developing treatments for rare disease communities helps accelerate therapies for more common diseases, greatly amplifying the impact of such important work.”
For EBRPA, the project is a signal of intent. “At EB Research Partnership Australia, we believe patients cannot afford to wait,” said Managing Director Simone Flanagan. “This is what becomes possible when we unite around patients and invest boldly in innovation — science that could improve outcomes for people living with EB, and unlock new treatments for chronic wound infections far beyond it. Every breakthrough begins with a partnership willing to think differently.”
EB Research Partnership Global CEO Michael Hund, in Adelaide to support the announcement, and give a keynote on the charity’s unique venture philanthropy model, echoed this:
“For families living with Epidermolysis Bullosa, every day is a reminder of how urgently new treatments are needed. This collaboration brings together exceptional partners with a shared commitment to delivering better options for patients, and that gives families genuine reason for hope,” Mr Hund said.
“EB Research Partnership exists to accelerate the development of therapies, and we’re proud to support innovative science that has the potential to reduce infections, improve wound healing, and ultimately improve quality of life for people living with EB. This project demonstrates the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, and philanthropy work together toward a common goal.”