Biotech
Monday, November 20th, 2023 3:03 pm EDT
Key Points
- AMR as a Global Health Crisis: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a significant global health threat, with the World Health Organization (WHO) referring to it as the “silent pandemic.” The UN health agency has declared AMR among the top 10 global threats, estimating that approximately 1.3 million people die annually directly due to resistant pathogens. Urgent action is deemed necessary to prevent a dramatic increase in these figures, which would lead to higher public health, economic, and social costs, disproportionately affecting low-income countries.
- Climate Change Exacerbating AMR: Research indicates that climate change is exacerbating the AMR crisis. Rising temperatures contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes between microorganisms. Extreme weather events and increased pollution further disrupt microbial ecosystems, creating favorable conditions for the development of antibiotic resistance. The warming world is identified as a factor making it increasingly challenging to combat the spread of drug-resistant superbugs, contributing to the silent nature of the AMR pandemic.
- Challenges in Addressing AMR and Lack of Attention: The director of communicable diseases, environment, and health at WHO Europe, Robb Butler, emphasizes the pressing global health challenge posed by AMR, costing EU member states around €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) annually. The pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in addressing AMR, as antibiotics are economically unattractive for development due to being expensive and high-risk. Despite the potential threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria becoming the next pandemic, there is a lack of sufficient attention and noise about the issue. The broken diagnostics pipeline for AMR and the need for urgent policy action to incentivize industry leaders are highlighted as critical concerns. The upcoming COP28 climate conference is seen as an opportunity for international policymakers to recognize the association between the climate crisis and AMR.
The threat of drug-resistant superbugs, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is exacerbated by climate change, according to experts. AMR, often referred to as the “silent pandemic” by the World Health Organization, is a global health crisis with an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually due to resistant pathogens. The UN Environment Program’s report, “Bracing for Superbugs,” highlights the impact of climate change and environmental factors on the development, spread, and transmission of AMR. Rising temperatures accelerate the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes, extreme weather events disrupt microbial ecosystems, and increased pollution provides favorable conditions for resistance development.
The UN health agency has declared AMR one of the top 10 global threats, costing EU member states around €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) annually in health costs and productivity loss. The connection between climate change and AMR is expected to be discussed at the upcoming COP28 climate conference in the United Arab Emirates. However, the pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in addressing AMR, as antibiotics are expensive, high-risk, and less attractive for development compared to other areas.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for attention to the AMR crisis, with hopes that international policymakers will recognize the link between climate change and the spread of drug-resistant superbugs. The lack of focus on AMR is seen as a concern, with the potential for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to become the next pandemic if not addressed proactively. The diagnostics pipeline for AMR is described as “completely broken,” and industry leaders are hesitant to invest in antibiotic development, posing a significant challenge to combating this global health threat.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/20/amr-a-hotter-world-makes-it-harder-to-stop-the-spread-of-superbugs.html
