Developing Antibiotics for Children to Achieve SDG3

Sepsis, a complication of infection encompassing bloodstream infections, meningitis and pneumonia, is the third most common cause of death among newborns, accounting for 225,000 deaths globally every year. The World Health Organization has called for urgent action to accelerate the development of new antibiotics for bacterial infections, including sepsis, alongside expanded access to antibiotics for newborns and children, in order to facilitate achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3: Health and Wellbeing for All.

Children and newborns are not small adults and their bodies may respond differently to drugs. It is critical to establish the correct dose and confirm safety and effectiveness of new and currently available treatments for children under 5. Although regulatory agencies require pharmaceutical companies to develop plans to evaluate new antibiotics for use in children, these are often not started until after drugs are registered for use in adults. A recent study found that of 37 antibiotics being developed in adults, just two were being studied in children.

Addressing the challenge of developing new and expanded access to urgently needed antibiotics for children under 5 cannot be solved by one country, company or organization alone. It can only be addressed through a global and multi-sectorial approach. Partnerships between governments, industry, academia and civil society are needed to ensure plans are developed and resources are optimized to accelerate antibiotic research, development and access for children.

Within this session, the panel will discuss the unique challenges of antibiotic research focusing on children and newborns. This will include the progress being made, and further action required to develop new treatments and ensure expanded access to treatments for children and newborns to achieve SDG3 and the Every Newborn Action Plan.