Access to Medicine Foundation’s 2026 AMR Strategy, Revealed

The article introduces the Access to Medicine Foundation’s Methodology for the 2026 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Benchmark, a framework assessing the efforts of 26 pharmaceutical companies, including both large firms and small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), in tackling drug resistance. It highlights the Benchmark’s three key areas: Research & Development (R&D), responsible manufacturing, and access and stewardship. 

It outlines key updates to the 2026 AMR Benchmark Methodology, including a stronger focus on the WHO’s Priority Pathogen Lists to guide R&D, innovation criteria based on WHO standards, and increased emphasis on companies' access and stewardship plans. Given the decline in antibiotic investment by major pharmaceutical firms, the 2026 AMR Benchmark will also evaluate SMEs’ growing role in driving innovation and production of antimicrobial products. 

Responsible manufacturing remains a key focus, as noted in the article. The 2026 AMR Benchmark will evaluate the implementation of waste management strategies, compliance with discharge limits, and transparency in antibiotic waste treatment. 

The article also highlights efforts to expand access and stewardship, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The 2026 AMR Benchmark will also include integrated product-level assessments, new indicators tracking patient reach, and stricter oversight of promotional practices and ethical industry interactions.