The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), leading scientists, public policy experts, and industry leaders today announced ...
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), leading scientists, public policy experts, and industry leaders today announced the launch of “Working to Fight AMR,” a coalition working to raise public awareness of the growing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and advocate for policies that accelerate the creation of new medicines.
Each year, it is estimated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) claims nearly 25,000 lives nationwide and nearly 700,000 across the globe, according to the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. The number of fatalities is expected to grow to 10 million annually by 2050. AMR, which reduces the effectiveness of treatments for infectious diseases, represents one of the most serious public health threats facing society. However, scientists have not developed a truly novel antibiotic in almost four decades.
“Antimicrobial resistance already poses a grave threat to human health – and it is a looming public health emergency,” said Greg Frank, Ph.D., BIO’s director of infectious disease policy. “Working to Fight AMR will advocate for policies to boost investment in this deeply neglected area.” Frank is heading up the coalition.
In addition to educating the public, Working to Fight AMR will advocate for policies, like the DISARM Act, that slow the spread of superbugs and incentivize the research and development of new antimicrobials.
To learn more, visit WorkingToFightAMR.org.