2021 Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark
Date
18 November 2021
The 2021 Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark evaluates how 17 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies are performing in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These are the companies with the greatest capacity and opportunity to curb AMR, and the Benchmark examines their actions in multiple areas in order to provide a comprehensive picture of what is – and what is not – being done.Â
Many of the companies, consisting of eight large research-based companies and nine generic medicine manufacturers, have moved slowly in the right direction since the previous Benchmark report was published in 2020, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But while progress can be seen on some fronts, the Benchmark also identifies concerning gaps in performance.
Each of these pharma companies are evaluated in areas where they have the greatest opportunity and responsibility to limit AMR; specifically, R&D, managing antibacterial manufacturing waste, and ensuring appropriate access to – and responsible stewardship of – antimicrobial medicines and vaccines.
GSK and Pfizer are joint leaders among the large research-based companies, while the generic medicine manufacturers are led by Aurobindo, Abbott and Viatris.
Pharma companies make limited use of the many ways to improve access to antibiotics.
Progress on limiting release of antibiotic waste into environment, but gaps remain.
Increased access and stewardship planning in R&D is hopeful sign for poorer countries.
These set out in detail how each of the companies has performed, their official score, and what tangible steps they could take to combat AMR in future.
Identifying where companies are performing well, and what specific actions they are taking, in order to demonstrate where others can also make progress.
Taking an in-depth look at the companies’ actions in each area – from R&D to Stewardship – and analysing what the data shows about the pharmaceutical industry.
“Those facing the highest risk of infection and the highest rates of drug resistance have the hardest time getting the antibiotics they need. To redress this lack of equity, pharma must expand its focus beyond stewardship and the hunt for replacement antibiotics. Access to these new medicines, as well as those already on the market, must get the same level of attention.”
