2026 Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark

Among large research-based companies, GSK remains the leader compared with peers, while Pfizer, the former joint leader in 2021, has been outpaced by Shionogi. For generic medicine manufacturers, Aurobindo continues to lead, followed closely by Sandoz (newly assessed), Viatris and Teva, while Cipla and Abbott perform above the middle mark. All eight SMEs perform strongly in targeting ‘high’- and ‘priority’-pathogens with their pipeline projects, with six companies also developing projects that meet innovation criteria. 

1. Thin pipeline, high stakes: How are companies planning to expand access to vital, new antimicrobials? 

2. Building a better antibiotic arsenal for children 

3. Some companies take stronger action to curb AMR at manufacturing sites across their supply chains 

4. Generic producers step up in tracking how many patients in LMICs receive lifesaving antimicrobials 

Each company has a report card that includes a summary of the company’s strengths and weaknesses, drivers behind changes in its ranking, as well as tailored ‘Opportunities’ for the company. 

Best Practices are shared to accelerate adoption of similar practices by other companies, and to help raise the overall level of standard practice. Some of these focus on a single company, while others draw on examples from several companies. 

Overall, the Benchmark identifies hopeful spots of progress from companies still engaged in the antimicrobial space, but industry-wide efforts are being outpaced by drug resistance. Far more comprehensive actions are now needed across the board to transform the fight against AMR. 

There is a continued contraction of the pipelines among the seven large research-based companies assessed. Critically, SMEs are driving innovation for critical- and high-priority pathogens. 

There has been a notable shift in companies working towards ensuring compliance with antibiotic discharge limits across their supply chains – at both their own and suppliers’ manufacturing sites. 

Large research-based companies perform strongest in mitigating stockouts and shortages, expanding appropriate access to their on-patent medicines and employing responsible business practices while generic medicine manufacturers stand out for mitigating stockouts and shortages and expanding appropriate access to their on-patent medicines.