PD 17 - Perspectives from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Despite the huge societal costs of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), there is no viable market for new antibiotics. As a result, important antibiotics in the early stages of development may never reach patients due to a lack of funding for the later stages of clinical research. To bridge this funding gap, over 20 leading pharmaceutical companies recently launched a ground-breaking partnership to invest nearly $1 billion through a new AMR Action Fund that aims to bring 2 to 4 new antibiotics to patients by the end of the decade.

Both COVID-19 and AMR are significant global health threats that necessitate action by all stakeholders in order to be tackled successfully. Yet there are differences - unlike COVID-19, AMR is a predictable and preventable threat that is not new. Continuous innovation in time, and in preparation of, a global pandemic to address current and future global health crises is therefore essential.

Stepping up to the challenge of AMR, the Fund will invest in smaller biotech companies focused on developing novel antibiotics that address the highest priority public health needs, make a significant difference in clinical practice, and save lives. While the Fund seeks to make significant tangible progress in the fight against AMR, it alone will not be sufficient to solve the challenge, and broader policy reforms will be necessary to create an environment that encourages long-term investment into antibiotic R&D and rewards innovation.

This session will explore the new biopharmaceutical industry initiative, the importance of innovation to maintain global health security as also evidenced by COVID-19, as well as foster discussion on what is needed for a sustainable antibiotic innovation ecosystem.