PD 03 - Antimicrobial Resistance

Past years have seen a growing attention towards antimicrobial resistance that led to a number of new initiatives in particular to foster the development of new antibacterial treatments. In parallel, another problem is surging and getting increasing public attention: the lack of supply of existing generic antibiotics. Many hospitals even in developed countries are facing difficulties in ensuring a steady supply of critical first line treatments, in particular injectable antibiotics preventing doctors from using the recommended antibiotics and increasing costs.

The problem has increased exponentially over the past years in many countries. Current antibiotic producers in Europe keep closing manufacturing facilities for finished products and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Procurement practices that are driving prices down combined with fierce competition with companies from India and manufacturers in China and relatively high production standards and costs in Europe are some reasons behind this trend.

This session is going to shed light on the challenges and the risks and possible solutions to keep a steady supply of existing generic antibiotics and will link this issue to the conditions under which these products are produced.