Meeting antibiotic resistance more effectively in the future

Antibiotic resistance: Increased research and development of new drugs
More and more people are dying because of germs that are resistant to antibiotics. When such drugs stop working, even small infections can become a major risk. The research and development of new antibiotics should now be promoted more.

Millions killed by multidrug-resistant germs
If the problem of increasing antibiotic resistance is not brought under control soon, according to scientists threatens a horror scenario. According to an older study by the Berlin Charité, there could be around ten million deaths by multi-resistant germs by 2050. The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) recently announced its intention to combat antibiotic resistance with determination. A new report now highlights the importance of antibiotic research and development.

More and more people are dying because of germs that are resistant to antibiotics. The research and development of new antibiotics should now be promoted more. (Image: denisismagilov / fotolia.com)

One of the biggest challenges for global health policy
As the ministry writes in a statement, only a few manufacturers worldwide invest in the development of new antibiotics. But fighting antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest challenges for global health policy.

According to Ministry statements, Germany has therefore placed the fight against antibiotic resistance on the international agenda and made it a priority of its international health policy.

As stated in the communication, G7 health ministers in the Berlin Declaration agreed among other things to consider incentives to promote research and development of new antibiotics and diagnostics.

The pillar of our health care
On the question of how the research and development of new antibiotics can be promoted, the BMG has commissioned a report, which is now published.

Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe explained: "If we no longer have effective antibiotics available, a vital pillar of our health care will break away."

"To gain momentum in the research and development of new antibiotics, we need an international effort," the minister continued.

"The report provides a good basis for further international discussion. Because no state can win the fight against antibiotic resistance and lack of antibiotic therapies alone. That's why it's good that the OECD is picking up on the subject as well. "

Defining clear requirements for new antibiotics
The report "Breaking through the Wall" commissioned by the BMG mentions measures to strengthen the research and development of new antibiotics.

These include, for example, the definition of clear requirements for new antibiotics and the introduction of a global fund to strengthen basic research.

According to ministers, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will now work with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations to prepare a report on combating antibiotic resistance, which will be made available to the G20 countries for further consultation. The report will provide an important basis. (Ad)