Implementing an EU pull incentive for antimicrobial innovation and access: blueprint for action

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Policy
• Infectious Disease Management
• Public Health

Background:

• The Council of the EU recommended a cross-country pull incentive in June 2023 to address antimicrobial innovation and access challenges.
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates novel strategies to stimulate the development of new antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss six key considerations for implementing the EU's proposed antimicrobial pull incentive.
• To provide recommendations for the design, governance, and successful adoption of the incentive.

Main Methods:

• This is a Personal View article, presenting a discussion and analysis of policy recommendations.
• The authors outline six critical areas for consideration in the implementation of the pull incentive.

Main Results:

• Six key considerations are detailed: incentive size and member state contributions, incentive model design, integration with pharmaceutical legislation revisions, EU and member state roles, balancing pull and push mechanisms, and global cooperation.
• Voluntary member state involvement requires confidence in transparent, inclusive, and robust processes for antimicrobial selection and access agreements.

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation of the EU pull incentive hinges on addressing the outlined considerations.
• Ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and methodological rigor is crucial for member state engagement and the overall effectiveness of the antimicrobial innovation strategy.