Discover strategies for the pharmaceutical industry in the Access to Medicine Foundation’s report on antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing urgent measures.
A new report from the Access to Medicine Foundation emphasizes the urgent need for strategic measures to ensure that the few promising antimicrobials currently in development reach patients battling drug-resistant infections. This comprehensive analysis provides vital guidance on overcoming the formidable challenge posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which continues to threaten global health.
The Urgency of Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance
The Access to Medicine Foundation’s report highlights a stark reality: the race to develop effective antibiotics and antifungals to combat superbugs is alarmingly behind. This shortfall places millions at risk worldwide as the spread of AMR accelerates. Despite this, a shift in research and development (R&D) practices, along with increased investment in access and stewardship planning, could significantly mitigate the impact of AMR.
Current State of Antimicrobial R&D
With most large pharmaceutical companies stepping back from antimicrobial R&D, the pipeline for new treatments is worryingly sparse. This retreat has left a gap in the market, exacerbating the threat of AMR. However, a few late-stage clinical projects offer hope. These include:
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GSK’s Gepotidacin:
A small molecule with a leading phase 3 program targeting urinary tract infections.
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F2G’s Olorofim:
A novel orotomide antifungal for invasive, rare fungal mold infections.
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Innoviva’s Zoliflodacin:
A promising phase 3 treatment for gonorrhoea with minimal current resistance.
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Venatorx’s Cefepime-Taniborbactam:
A BL/BLI combination antibiotic for complicated urinary tract infections and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia, including infections by metallo-β-lactamase-producing bacteria.
These drugs, collectively, have the potential to save at least 160,000 lives annually by treating a variety of drug-resistant infections.
Enhancing Access and Stewardship
Jayasree Iyer, CEO of the Access to Medicine Foundation, stresses the importance of enabling access to these treatments for people living on the frontlines of drug resistance. The report underscores that while some companies are incorporating diverse strategies within their access and stewardship plans, structured advance planning is not yet standard.
Encouragingly, four of the five companies in focus—GSK, Pfizer, Innoviva, and Venatorx—are conducting or initiating clinical trials that directly target children. This signals progress in bridging the gap between adult and pediatric access to these crucial medicines. Moreover, commitments for registration have been identified in five low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): China, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand. However, for the vast majority of LMICs, it remains unclear whether these drugs will be available upon initial approval.
Recommendations for Global Stakeholders
The report outlines several actionable steps for global stakeholders in antimicrobial R&D:
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Advance Access and Stewardship Planning:
Pharmaceutical companies should adopt structured, proactive plans to ensure timely access and appropriate use of new antimicrobials.
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Focus on Pediatric Access:
Ongoing and future clinical trials should continue to include children to ensure that new treatments are accessible to all age groups.
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Expand Market Access in LMICs:
Companies should commit to registering new drugs in a broader range of LMICs, where the burden of drug-resistant diseases is often highest.
Marijn Verhoef, Director of Operations and Research at the Access to Medicine Foundation, emphasizes that tackling AMR requires a multifaceted approach. Pharmaceutical companies must provide appropriate access and implement stewardship measures to safeguard the efficacy of new treatments.
As global health stakeholders prepare for the 2024 UN General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on AMR, the Access to Medicine Foundation’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent gaps that need attention. By adopting the recommendations outlined in the report, pharmaceutical companies and global health stakeholders can make significant strides in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, ultimately protecting millions of lives worldwide.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Pharmaceutical Industry
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