A serious, complex, leading public health threat of the 21st century, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – also known as antibiotic resistance – is projected to induce 10 million deaths per year by 2050.
Despite the global rise of AMR and the emergence of several multi-drug resistant pathogens (MDR), investment in the Research & Development of novel antimicrobials capable of treating life-threatening infections caused by MDR pathogensz is lacking. If left unchecked, the spread of antimicrobial resistance could lead to several MDR pathogens emerging, some of which could be many times more lethal than they are today.
New antibiotics are needed urgently to tackle existing and emerging multi-drug resistant bacteria. Unfortunately, the massive rise of AMR cannot be counteracted by the current low development pace of therapeutics. Only less than 25% of existing drugs in the clinical development pipeline represent a novel class or act through a novel mechanism – none of which are potentially active against resistant Gram-negative bacteria or critical threat pathogens defined by the World Health Organization.
A strategic blueprint to substantially improve our ability to discover and develop novel class antibiotics, particularly in the fields of natural-product-derived and synthetic small molecules, which have massive potential for newer agents with innovative chemistry and modes of action, is needed right away.
At Acutis, we offer PCR-guided antimicrobial sensitivity information for our clients to assist physicians in determining the best course of treatment for their patients. Selecting the correct antibiotic for a patient is the best way to overcome antimicrobial resistance and enables us to be part of the global effort in overcoming this public health obstacle.
