The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that there are insufficient new tests and treatments available to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially the increasing ability of harmful bacteria to resist antibiotics, is one of the most pressing global public health challenges, responsible for over a million deaths annually.
The WHO pointed out that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials—including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals—in humans, animals, and plants are the primary drivers of this resistance. The burden of AMR disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries.
In recent reports focused on new diagnostics and treatments for bacterial infections, the WHO highlighted the concerning lack of innovation and limited drugs in the development pipeline. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director-general, stated, “Antimicrobial resistance is escalating, but the pipeline of new treatments and diagnostics is insufficient to tackle the spread of drug-resistant bacterial infections.” She stressed that without increased investment in research and development and efforts to ensure new and existing products reach those in need, drug-resistant infections will continue to rise.
AMR happens when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat.
Since 2017, when WHO began tracking antibacterial agent development, 17 new antibacterial agents targeting priority bacterial pathogens have received market authorization. However, the number of antibacterials in clinical trials decreased from 97 in 2023 to 90 now. The WHO described the situation as a “dual crisis” of scarcity and lack of innovation. Among these 90 antibacterials under development, only 15 are considered truly innovative.
Regarding drugs still in preclinical development, about 232 projects are underway, but most are from small companies with fewer than 50 employees, raising concerns about sustainability.
The WHO emphasized the urgent need to address gaps in formulations for children and oral treatments for outpatients. Developers were urged to publish data on antibacterial activity “to foster collaboration, attract investment, and accelerate innovation.” The agency also called for increased funding for tools suitable for use in resource-limited settings.
To tackle this crisis, WHO recommends boosting overall investment and fostering new funding models that support the small- and medium-sized enterprises currently leading antibacterial and diagnostic research and development.
