Ar-KM

Ar-KM is a therapeutic phiKMV-like bacteriophage developed by Armata Pharmaceuticals. It specifically targets Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major pathogen responsible for chronic lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Ar-KM is a component of Armata's AP-PA02 program, an inhaled multi-phage cocktail. The phage functions by binding to the bacterial host's Type IV pili (T4P), penetrating the cell envelope using associated peptidoglycan hydrolase activity, and ejecting its genome into the bacterium to initiate a lytic cycle that destroys the host cell. Structural studies have characterized its genome-gating and ejection mechanisms, highlighting its stability and infectivity as a therapeutic agent.

Other names

Pseudomonas phage Ar-KMArmata phiKMV-like phage