WINNIPEG, MB – February 5, 2025 – TheNewswire - Cytophage Technologies (‘Cytophage’ or ‘the Company’) (TSXV: CYTO; FSE: 70G) is proud to announce a new partnership with one of Canada’s leading poultry hatcheries to begin incubator egg trials for OvaPhage, an innovative bacteriophage product designed to only target harmful bacteria on the surface of eggs, while preserving the natural protective cuticle of eggs. The trials are expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year, and are the next steps in proving the efficacy of OvaPhage. Cytophage’s early lab tests have demonstrated a 99% reduction in bacterial load on the surface of eggs, setting the stage for this critical new phase of real-world validation.  

Upon completion of the trials, Cytophage plans to prepare regulatory submissions, paving the way for OvaPhage’s initial market launch in Canada, with global expansion to follow.

There are over 200 hatching egg producers in Canada. In 2023, hatching egg farmers produced approximately 868 million broiler hatching eggs according to the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, generating $500 million in farm revenues. Cytophage’s partner hatchery represents a key segment of this market, and is recognized as a leader in advanced poultry management systems. The hatchery’s staff are working closely with Cytophage to improve resiliency and productivity in the poultry industry. OvaPhage addresses key industry priorities, such as reducing bacterial contamination and increasing hatch rates. 

“This moment marks a turning point for our company. Moving from the lab to incubator egg trials is a key milestone in proving OvaPhage’s real-world efficacy,” said Cytophage CEO Dr. Steven Theriault. “We are excited to demonstrate how this technology can redefine standards for the industry.”  

OvaPhage Trials Process 

The OvaPhage trials advance in three stages, each one moving the product towards broader commercialization:   

Trial Stage	Objective	Outcome	Timeline
Stage #1: Feasibility	Assess OvaPhage’s compatibility with hatchery processes.	Demonstrate OvaPhage’s readiness for large-scale application by verifying its adherence properties and efficacy.	Q1 2025
Stage #2: Optimization	Determine the most effective phage concentration and methods.	Defined conditions for optimal performance.	Q1-Q2 2025
Stage #3: Validation	Demonstrate OvaPhage’s performance.	Confirmed productivity enhancements and measurable benefits.	Q2-Q3 2025

 

“This is an exciting moment for Cytophage and our investors,” said Julius Kalcevich, CFO of Cytophage. “The path ahead for OvaPhage is clear, and each milestone brings us closer to transforming poultry production and commercializing our innovative phage products.”  

About Cytophage 
 
Cytophage Technologies (TSXV:CYTO / FSE: 70G) is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to bacteriophage research, product development and commercialization. 

Bacteriophages are viruses that only infect and kill bacteria. These natural killers of bacteria can overcome cellular or organism-level defences. They are nature’s version of antibiotics. 

Cytophage is improving bacteria’s natural predators with environmental as well as genetic modifications to bring safe and toxin free killer solutions to large addressable markets with an initial focus on animal health which offers a fast-track to near-term revenue. As a leading bacteriophage manufacturer in Canada and powered by a large library of strains, Cytophage is committed to addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance (AMR). The WHO predicts that AMR will be the leading cause of human mortality by 2050. Many countries have already banned or limited preventative antibiotic use in animal production including 27 EU countries, US, Canada, Brazil, Bangladesh, India and Mexico. In addition to that, consumers all over the world are demanding organic and antibiotic-free products. 

Cytophage is using a de-risked and patented technology to advance innovative and cost competitive products that harness the power of bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections affecting human health, animal health, and food security.  

About OvaPhage 

At its core, OvaPhage represents a novel approach to biosecurity for poultry hatcheries. Its advanced formulation enables bacteriophages to adhere to eggshells, providing protection against harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Escherichia and Shigella species throughout the production process.  

OvaPhage is part of the Company’s flagship suite of animal health products designed to target harmful bacteria without the toxic effects of traditional chemicals. Key features will include:  

• Non-toxic and safe: Proven safe for animals, humans, and the environment.   

• Cuticle preservation: Maintains the egg’s natural protective barrier, improving hatch rates.   

• Easy to Use: Seamlessly integrates with existing hatchery systems.   

For further information please contact:  

Heather Medwick, Chief Operating Officer 

heather@cytophage.com | 431 388 8873 

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Simon Bredin, PR Advisor (media@cytophage.com)  

 

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information 

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Cytophage to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Cytophage’s Filing Statement dated January 30, 2024, which is available for view on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These risks include but are not limited to, the risks associated with the bacteriophage industry, such as operational risks in development or capital expenditures, the uncertainty of extensive regulatory approval requirements, government regulations, protection of intellectual property, product liability and rapid technological advancements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release, and Cytophage disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management’s estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.