The ABCs of the US Broad Spectrum Antimicrobials Program: Antibiotics, Biosecurity, and Congress

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Biosecurity

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a critical global health threat, leading to untreatable infections.
• The pipeline for new antibacterial drugs is insufficient due to limited commercial viability.
• The US government is increasing focus on combating antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the public policy and political landscape of antibiotic resistance in the US.
• To evaluate the role of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Broad Spectrum Antimicrobials (BSA) program.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for BARDA in fostering antibacterial development.

Main Methods:

• Policy analysis of US government initiatives.
• Review of BARDA's structure, processes, and role in antibacterial development.
• Examination of biosecurity and medical countermeasure (MCM) development contexts.

Main Results:

• BARDA's BSA program is central to US efforts to advance new antibacterials.
• The program faces challenges related to commercial interest and pipeline fragility.
• The commentary provides a public policy perspective on BARDA's potential leadership.

Conclusions:

• BARDA's success is crucial for addressing the antibiotic resistance crisis.
• Overcoming challenges in antibacterial development is key to global health security.
• Policy and political factors will determine BARDA's effectiveness in leading antibiotic development.