WHO’s Novel Medicines Platform (NMP) launched a new working group on novel antimicrobials at a meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, in April 2024. The meeting, hosted by the Public Health Agency of Sweden, aimed to explore policy alternatives to promote sustainable innovation of novel antibiotics and ensure access to older, existing antibiotics.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest global health challenges of our time. Limited access to new and existing antimicrobials is one of the factors driving AMR, as this can limit treatment options and prolong infections. The NMP’s Working Group 4 (WG4) agreed to develop proposals on concrete multistakeholder actions to enhance existing initiatives to promote access to antibiotics.
“Reliable access to effective antibiotics, whether they are new or pre-existing ones, is essential for our health systems,” said Malin Grape, Ambassador on Antibiotic Resistance at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs of Sweden and Co-Chair of WG4, at the meeting.
Key antibiotic products
The current antimicrobial research and development (R&D) pipeline, however, is inadequate in addressing the escalating emergence and spread of AMR. The financial risk associated with investing in antimicrobial R&D, coupled with a lower expected return on investment compared to other therapeutic areas, is a significant deterrent. This is primarily due to short treatment durations and stewardship efforts aimed at minimizing usage to combat AMR.
Moreover, many countries grapple with limited access to older, existing antimicrobials. This is often due to intermittent shortages when demand outstrips supply, or when antimicrobials are withdrawn from markets for financial reasons.
Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of WHO/Europe’s Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, noted, “We have heard loudly and clearly that countries are facing a number of shortages of essential medicines, including antibiotics, and therefore we welcome the focus of WG4 to take a broader look not only at novel antimicrobials and the R&D pipeline, but also how we ensure that key antibiotic products are going to remain available and accessible.”
Achieving consensus
Malin Grape added, “We must remember that the WHO European Region is the most diverse of all the WHO regions. So, if we can achieve agreement and be able to develop work here, it is very promising for the global perspective on development to improve reliable access to effective antibiotics.”
On 2–3 July 2024, the NMP will bring together stakeholders from across the Region to build consensus in this area. The gathering will provide all working groups with the opportunity to share their draft proposals with each other and the wider Platform, allowing for consultation and prioritization by all stakeholders. All prioritized proposals and deliverables that focus on demonstration projects will then act as proofs of concept for future scale-up and implementation across the Region.