Local biotechnology firm GangaGen Life Sciences Inc. is partnering with the University of Nottingham in a major research project to develop a treatment for a common form of food-borne illness.

GangaGen will develop a bacteriophage-based treatment for the control of Campylobacter bacteria in poultry. The bacterium strain is the most common form of food-borne illness along with salmonella, and is of particular concern because it is already showing resistance to several common antibiotics.

Bacteriophages are virus-like agents that target and destroy harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial bacteria or cells in the body,

The research agreement aims to build a business relationship "to commercialize phage technology developed at the university that complements the existing phage expertise of GangaGen," the companies said in a statement.

GangaGen added that the research on this product would complement its food safety product portfolio, including phage products targeting salmonella and E.coli bacteria.

"GangaGen believes that the place to start fighting food safety-related bacteria is at the farm where livestock production takes place, and this research agreement with the University of Nottingham allows us to continue building on that premise," said GangaGen chief executive Dr. Rainer Engelhardt in a statement. "The combination of these two research teams provides strong impetus for creating a safe, effective and low-cost solution to this pernicious consumer health risk."

The company added that its research on phages has already eliminated any potential toxicity and gene-transfer risks from its usage.