Last week, Intellectual Property Watch posted an article with alarming news regarding antibiotic development. The World Health Organization issued a 48-page report stating an “urgent need” for investment in antibiotic R&D, as most in the pipeline are adaptations of existing classes and only short-term solutions. There are 51 new antibiotics and biologicals in development, but only 8 are classed by WHO as “innovative treatments that will add value to the current antibiotic treatment arsenal.”
An update to the article said the pharmaceutical industry released a statement saying it’s currently working on the challenge and requesting a partnership. The response also mentioned recent developments including multi-drug-resistant TB and multi-drug-resistant malaria involving Johnson & Johnson and Novartis, respectively.
