title: Accelerating resistance, inadequate antibacterial drug pipelines and international responses.
abstract: The pandemic of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and their continuing spread is beyond dispute. In contrast to the past, today's antibacterial research and development (R&D) pipelines are nearly dry, failing to provide the flow of novel antibiotics required to match the clinical challenges of the multidrug resistance (MDR) crisis. Concerned over the rapidly worsening potential global healthcare crisis caused by MDR bacteria and the lack of robust drug pipelines, several multinational campaigns have issued policy recommendations and have initiated broad discussion with a goal of stimulating the development of novel antibacterial drugs and technologies. These activities have resulted in intensified co-operation between the USA and the EU. The recently announced extensive 'Action plan against the rising threats from antimicrobial resistance' substantially ramps up action within the EU. In recognising the potential crisis caused by MDR and the limited treatment options, the European Commission decided on an unprecedented approach to drive the search for novel antibiotics by integrating the pharmaceutical industry, the research capacities of universities and small companies supported by public funding along with pricing/reimbursement and regulatory bodies. The European Commission has shown leadership and put action plans in place. Only the future will tell whether these initiatives will help curb the impact of the MDR pandemic.
authors.affiliation: Center for Anti-Infective Agents, Eckpergasse 13, 1180 Vienna, Austria. utheuretzbacher@cefaia.com
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Theuretzbacher
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000191:economics; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D005062:European Union; D014943:Global Health; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012106:Research / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents