Antibiotic Resistance Is a Tragedy of the Commons That Necessitates Global Cooperation

Antibiotics may be thought of as a common pool resource that can be depleted over time; the economics of this problem are relatively well known. The importance of antibiotics to human health means that limiting access through privatization is undesirable. Therefore, other solutions to prevent overuse are essential - stewardship programs, and for non-human use, taxation, all within the context of an international agreement. To solve problems of access while offering adequate rewards for innovation, a key tool is delinking prices from payment to innovators.