(JNS.org) The Israeli start-up BiomX, which last week completed a $24 million round of financing, is aiming to replace the need for conventional antibiotics by developing treatments that selectively eliminate bacteria.

BiomX’s treatments are developed using phages—special viruses intended to fight certain bacteria, as opposed to traditional antibiotics that kill all bacteria, including beneficial bacteria.

“BiomX has developed a platform with two elements. One is the ability to detect with precision what bacteria are missing, and which existing bacteria are causing damage. The second is the ability to selectively attack unnecessary bacteria,” said Assaf Oron, BiomX’s executive vice president of strategy and business development.

In theory, BiomX’s treatments would replace conventional antibiotics with a more selective treatment method for specific conditions. The company’s initial products are intended to treat acne and Helicobacter pylori bacteria. BiomX also has plans to develop treatments for intestinal inflammation conditions such as colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as products for the prevention and treatment of cancer.