AMR Benchmark Finds Progress Against Superbugs but Urges Faster Action to Strengthen Access and Health Systems

The article highlights the fact that drug resistance is still advancing faster than progress is being made to mitigate AMR, and provides comprehensive coverage of the report’s key takeaways. 

It draws out the finding that people living in countries across Africa are disproportionately affected by AMR yet lack access to the antimicrobial products necessary to treat drug-resistant infections. 

It also mentions the lack of antimicrobial products being developed specifically for children – another key finding from the report – and that the few existing paediatric medications for drug-resistant infections must be registered in countries where AMR is most prevalent.

The article also mentions the growing role that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing in innovation in the sector, noting that the eight SMEs included in the Benchmark now account for almost a quarter of all antimicrobial pipeline projects currently under development.

Claudia Martínez, Director of Research at the Access to Medicine Foundation is quoted: “From R&D through manufacturing, to access and stewardship and measuring real world patient reach, the Benchmark illustrates the potential for companies to develop more comprehensive approaches. But we need intensified, industry wide action.”