New methodology paves the way for the Foundation's 2026 AMR Benchmark
Today, the Access to Medicine Foundation released the methodology for the 2026 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Benchmark, setting out the framework for the Foundation’s upcoming assessment of pharmaceutical companies’ efforts to curb the progression of drug resistance. To reflect the evolution of the global AMR landscape since the publication of the 2021 AMR Benchmark, the new methodology includes a refined set of metrics for measuring industry progress in tackling this critical global health threat.
The 2026 Benchmark will assess companies’ efforts across 113 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), matching the geographic scope of the 2024 Access to Medicine Index.Â
Small- and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) will be included for assessment alongside large research-based pharmaceutical companies and generic medicine manufacturers.Â
In addition to an internal review, the Foundation consulted a wide range of stakeholders to refine the methodology, which was ratified by an independent Expert Review Committee.Â
Staff working at a pharmacy. The sale of antibiotics without a prescription is widespread in Nepal and contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistances (AMR). The owner, who says he trained as a Community Medicine Assistant, says that pharmacies routinely advise and provide medication to customers who cannot afford to see a doctor, or who do not want to pay for and wait for diagnostic tests. He says that although he always requests that patients take a full course of antibiotics, some refuse to, and insist on purchasing fewer pills than recommended. Photographer: Nyani Quarmyne/Panos Pictures Credit: ANP foto
The Access to Medicine Foundation has released a revised AMR Benchmark methodology, forming the bedrock for the upcoming AMR Benchmark Report analysis. The new framework provides a cogent, up-to-date and rigorous standard of measurement, reflecting the progression of AMR and the current pharmaceutical landscape in its metrics. Using this framework, the Foundation will assess pharmaceutical companies' efforts to curb AMR, the findings of which will be published in the 2026 AMR Benchmark, slated for release early next year.
Coming nearly five years after the 2021 AMR Benchmark, this next iteration will include a greater focus on the outcomes of company strategies, facilitating a deeper understanding of the underlying methods behind companies’ approaches to evaluating their access strategies and monitoring resistance. Additionally, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be included in scope of the report, acknowledging their growing role in the innovation and production of lifesaving antimicrobial products.
Developing the new methodology
To define clear expectations for pharmaceutical companies, and ensure progress can be tracked over time, the Foundation’s AMR Research Team took a targeted approach towards reviewing the AMR Benchmark methodology. This considered insights from the programme’s series of standalone research reports released between 2021 and 2024, developments in the progression of drug resistance, as well insights from consultations with experts across the public and private sectors, including representatives from academia and research institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, trade associations, investors and other constituencies – including those working in LMICs.
To evaluate the proposed methodology and offer strategic guidance, the Foundation also appointed an independent Expert Review Committee composed of a diverse range of international experts in AMR, which convened in October 2024 to ratify the framework.
AMR is one of the most pressing threats to public health today, linked to millions of deaths each year across ages and nationalities, and is only expected to escalate. Combatting its progression requires collaborative efforts, but without decisive action from the developers, manufacturers and stewards of lifesaving antimicrobials, there will be no sustainable solution. The new Benchmark methodology sets out the key areas where these companies must target their actions to help curb AMR.
Claudia MartÃnez
Director of Research, Access to Medicine Foundation
What’s in the methodology?Â
26 COMPANIES
7 large research-based companiesÂ
10 generic medicine manufacturersÂ
9 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
113 COUNTRIES
While the scope of the report is global to reflect the border-transcending reality of AMR, the Benchmark zooms in on company actions in on low- and middle-income countries, where better access and stewardship of antimicrobials is most urgently needed. Â
Twelve countries have been added since the 2021 AMR Benchmark: Algeria, Armenia, Ecuador, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Lebanon, Marshall Islands, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Tonga and Venezuela, while one country, Georgia, has been removed since 2021.Â
2 PRODUCT TYPES
Medicines and vaccines that target bacterial and fungal infections, including on-patent and off-patent products and those in clinical development.Â
43 PATHOGENS
24 bacteriaÂ
19 fungiÂ
Fourth iteration of the AMR BenchmarkÂ
Since 2017, the Foundation has been working to guide the pharmaceutical industry to respond to the growing problem of AMR. By tracking how pharmaceutical companies active in the antimicrobials space have taken action to combat drug resistance, the Benchmark serves as an accountability tool and incentivises the industry’s continuous improvement. The Foundation is now gathering data and information for the fourth AMR Benchmark, which will be published in early 2026.Â
The Foundation’s AMR Programme is funded by The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, The Wellcome Trust, AXA Investment Managers and Stewart Investors.Â
