CRISPR-Phage Antibacterials to Address the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis: Scientific, Economic, and Regulatory Considerations

CRISPR‑enhanced bacteriophage therapies offer a promising, highly targeted approach to combating antibiotic‑resistant infections but face substantial scientific, economic, and regulatory barriers that could impede development and uptake. Realizing the public health potential of CRISPR‑phage antibacterials will require sustained public investment, clearer and more flexible regulatory pathways for individualized therapies, and incentive structures that address market failures inherent in antibacterial development.