2018 Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem. Antibiotics are being overused, which is causing them to become less effective. Without action to tackle this, experts predict that resistance will continue to spread until most antibiotics stop working. Common infections and simple surgery would once again become deadly. To bring AMR under control, action is needed from all sides, including from the pharma sector.

The Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark is the first independent analysis of pharmaceutical industry efforts to tackle drug resistance. It has evaluated 30 pharmaceutical companies, including those with the largest R&D divisions, the largest market presence, and specific expertise in developing critically needed medicines and vaccines. The AMR Benchmark finds that companies are developing new drugs as well as dismantling the incentives that encourage sales staff to oversell antibiotics, setting limits on the concentration of antibiotics in factory wastewater released into the environment, and tracking the spread of superbugs.

In the Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark, GSK and Johnson & Johnson lead among the large research-based pharmaceutical companies, while Mylan leads the generic medicine manufacturers and Entasis leads in the biotechnology group. The Benchmark finds room for all companies to improve, as well as evidence of good practice.

The Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark is funded by UK AID and the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.