Obulytix at ESCMID Global 2026: advancing the dialogue on next-generation antimicrobials

Obulytix was pleased to participate in ESCMID Global 2026 (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) in Munich, one of the leading international conferences bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders and policymakers working in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.

The event offered a valuable platform to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends and contribute to the broader discussion on how to address one of today’s most urgent healthcare challenges: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Showcasing Precision Lysin Therapeutics

During the scientific programme, Kristof Van Emelen delivered an oral presentation on Obulytix’s work in Precision Lysin Therapeutics (PLTs), a new class of targeted biologics for infection control.

PLTs are designed to selectively target and lyse bacteria through a novel mechanism of action, enabling rapid bacterial killing while minimizing the risk of resistance development. This approach shows strong potential against hard-to-treat Gram-negative pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, with encouraging preclinical efficacy data and synergy with existing antibiotics.

The presentation highlighted how innovative therapeutic modalities may contribute to the next generation of antimicrobial solutions.

Scientific contribution through doctoral research

Gilles Vandermarliere also presented his work on engineered phage lysins as a novel strategy to treat polymicrobial Gram-negative infections.

His research combines experimental profiling of engineered lysins with machine learning models to identify design principles that influence antibacterial spectrum and specificity. These findings support the development of next-generation lysins with broader applicability and improved potency.

Gilles Vandermarliere holds a Doctoral Baekeland mandate, co-financed by VLAIO and Obulytix, linking academic research with industrial innovation.

Strengthening connections across the AMR ecosystem

Beyond the presentations, ESCMID Global provided an opportunity to engage with researchers, clinicians, biotech companies and policymakers all working toward solutions for antimicrobial resistance.

From novel antibacterial approaches such as engineered lysins and phage-based therapies to discussions on prevalence, emerging treatments and patient management, the conference once again highlighted both the urgency of the AMR challenge and the momentum building across the field.

Obulytix is proud to contribute to this evolving landscape and to be part of a community driving innovation forward. We thank the organizers and everyone we had the opportunity to connect with during the event.