Multi-year analysis of the global preclinical antibacterial pipeline: trends and gaps
Valeria Gigante1, Richard A Alm2,3, Daniela Melchiorri4
1AMR Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat estimated to have caused the deaths of 1.27 million people in 2019, which is more than HIV/AIDS and malaria deaths combined. AMR also has significant consequences on the global economy. If not properly addressed, AMR could immensely impact the world's economy, further increasing the poverty burden in low- and middle-income countries. To mitigate the risk of a post-antibiotic society, where the ability to effectively treat common bacterial infections is being severely threatened, it is necessary to establish a continuous supply of new and novel antibacterial medicines. However, there are gaps in the current pipeline that will prove difficult to address, given the time required to develop new agents. To understand the status of upstream antibiotic development and the challenges faced by drug developers in the early development stage, the World Health Organization has regularly assessed the preclinical and clinical antibacterial development pipeline. The review identifies potential new classes of antibiotics or novel mechanisms of action that can better address resistant bacterial strains. This proactive approach is necessary to stay ahead of evolving resistance patterns and to support the availability of effective treatment options. This review examines the trends in preclinical development and attempts to identify gaps and potential opportunities to overcome the numerous hurdles in the early stages of the antibacterial research and development space.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global crisis. This review examines early-stage antibiotic development to identify gaps and opportunities for new antibacterial medicines.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, causing over 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and impacting the global economy.
- The increasing prevalence of AMR risks a post-antibiotic era, jeopardizing the treatment of common bacterial infections.
- A continuous supply of novel antibacterial medicines is crucial to combat evolving resistance patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the status of the preclinical and clinical antibacterial development pipeline.
- To identify challenges faced by drug developers in the early stages of antibiotic research and development.
- To explore potential new antibiotic classes and novel mechanisms of action against resistant bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Review of World Health Organization assessments of the antibacterial development pipeline.
- Analysis of trends in preclinical antibiotic development.
- Identification of gaps and opportunities in early-stage antibacterial research and development.
Main Results:
- Gaps exist in the current pipeline for novel antibacterial agents.
- Significant challenges impede the early stages of antibiotic drug development.
- The review highlights the need for proactive strategies to address evolving resistance.
Conclusions:
- Continuous innovation in antibacterial drug discovery is essential to mitigate the AMR threat.
- Addressing hurdles in early-stage development is critical for a sustainable pipeline of new antibiotics.
- Understanding development trends is key to ensuring future treatment options against resistant infections.
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