Bridging the Bacterial Resistance Gap

Antibiotic resistance poses a challenging threat to global public health, as evidenced by its direct responsibility for 1.3 million deaths in 2019. The overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics in healthcare settings, particularly in developing countries, is fueling the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, too, experienced a parallel escalation in antibiotic usage during the pandemic. The unique challenges faced by healthcare systems in this region, coupled with the increased prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions, amplify the risk of identifying multi-drug resistant strains.

This problem not only threatens public health but also poses serious challenges to the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical portfolio managers now face the critical task of identifying superior alternatives, as the development of effective antibiotics becomes imperative. The search for innovative solutions not only aligns with public health interests but also positions pharmaceutical companies to gain a competitive advantage in addressing this pressing global issue. This report encapsulates the urgency and complexity of antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate its impact on both public health and the pharmaceutical industry.