Combating resistance while maintaining innovation: the future of antimicrobial stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance represents a significant global health threat. However, a commercial model that does not offer a return on investment resulting in a lack of investment in antibiotic R&D, means that the current pipeline of antibiotics lacks sufficient innovation to meet this challenge. Those responsible for defining, promoting and monitoring the rationale use of antibiotics (the antimicrobial stewardship programme) are key to addressing current shortcomings. In this personal perspective, we discuss the future role stewardship can play in stimulating innovation, a need to move away from a pharmacy budget dominated view of antibiotic use, and the impact of the ever-increasing sophistication and interdisciplinary nature of antimicrobial control programs. Changes are needed to optimize clinical outcomes for patients.