AMR benchmark warns drug resistance outpacing pharma efforts

The article highlights that antimicrobial resistance is growing fast, posing a major threat to global health – noting that more than one million people die yearly due to drug-resistant infections, a key figure from the report. It emphasises that despite this trend, it’s not too late to tip the scales – quoting Access to Medicine Foundation CEO Jayasree K. Iyer: “We can tilt the battle against superbugs in humanity’s favour. Our findings show practical approaches that can ramp up progress on all fronts.”

The article spotlights the 35% decline in antimicrobial research pipelines among large research-based pharmaceutical companies compared to the last Benchmark, and notes severe access gaps across 17 sub-Saharan African countries. It highlights the importance of improving access to child-friendly formulations, noting that five companies – Aurobindo, GSK, Hikma, Sandoz and Teva – have registered child-friendly antibiotics more widely than their peers. 

Noting an overall decline in performance among large pharmaceutical companies and generic medicine manufactures compared to the 2021 Benchmark, the article points out the importance of coordinated action from governments, industry, researchers and international organisations. 

It quotes Claudia Martínez, Director of Research at the Foundation: “The report concludes that antimicrobial resistance demands urgent, coordinated global action, with pharmaceutical companies playing a central role in research, responsible manufacturing, improved access and monitoring patient reach. From R&D through manufacturing to access and stewardship, the Benchmark illustrates the potential for companies to develop more comprehensive approaches – but intensified, industry-wide action is needed.”