First, bacteria and other microorganisms were continuing to develop resistance to antibiotics at an alarming rate, making it harder and harder to keep up in the arms race. Second, the pipeline for developing new antibiotics was drying up as pharmaceutical companies found it less profitable to invest in research and development for new antibiotics compared to other medications that patients would take for longer periods of time. The combination of these two factors has led us to the current crisis where we are rapidly running out of effective antibiotics to combat infections.
So, what can be done to address this looming crisis? The Lancet study emphasizes the importance of improving access to healthcare and ensuring that patients are receiving appropriate antimicrobial treatments. This includes better monitoring and stewardship of antibiotics to prevent misuse and overuse, as well as developing new antibiotics and alternative treatments to combat resistant pathogens. It will also require global cooperation and coordination to address AMR as a shared threat that knows no borders.
Political leaders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals must take urgent action to prioritize the fight against AMR before it’s too late. The warning signs are clear, and the consequences of inaction are dire. We cannot afford to ignore this crisis like we did with previous warnings about infectious disease threats. The time to act is now, before we reach a point of no return and face a future where common infections become deadly once again.
Antibiotic overuse and a slowdown in antibiotic innovation have led to a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). People have been using antibiotics excessively for conditions such as sore throats and medical procedures, even when bacteria are not the root cause, contributing to the development of AMR. Additionally, major pharmaceutical companies have shifted away from antibiotic research and development, resulting in a lack of new antibiotics entering the market in the past two decades.
Mark Albrecht, chief of the Antibacterials Branch at BARDA, emphasized the need for more attention, investment, and innovation in addressing AMR. He highlighted the importance of developing new antibiotics and implementing sustainable funding for AR programs. Similarly, Craig emphasized the complexity of messaging about AMR and stressed the importance of a global One Health approach to combatting the issue.
Without increased investment and innovation in combating AMR, we may reach a point of no return where existing antibiotics are no longer effective. It is crucial to overcome resistance to investing in the development of new antibiotics and implementing effective strategies to address AMR. Failure to do so could lead to a catastrophic impact on public health.
