WHO Warns About Lack of R & D on Antimicrobial Resistance

Two recent reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) have found that the pipeline for new antibiotic agents is weak and that government intervention is required to address the global threat of drug-resistant microbes. “Declining private investment and lack of innovation in the development of new antibiotics are undermining efforts to combat drug-resistant infections,” stated WHO. According to a 2019 United Nations report, 700,000 deaths occur annually as a result of antimicrobial resistant infections, and this number is estimated to rise to 10 million by 2050 if the problem is not addressed. According to the new reports, of the 60 products (50 antibiotics and 10 biologics) currently in development globally, only a few target the most critical drug-resistant microbes, while the vast majority “bring little benefit over existing treatments.” There are, however, 252 pre-clinical candidates targeting 12 “priority pathogens” that are currently in early stages of testing. But these will require several years before they reach patients. The reports found that research and development (R&D) for antibiotics is primarily performed by small- or medium-sized companies, while large pharmaceutical companies continue to exit the arena as a result of bankruptcies. Investments in antimicrobial treatments by major pharmaceutical companies are diminishing because of the low profitability of antibiotics, which are taken only for a short period of ti...
Source: Public Policy Reports - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news