The world is falling behind in the fight against drug-resistant microbes, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned Thursday, as few new antibiotics advance to clinical trials.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—particularly bacteria resistant to existing antibiotics—is one of the greatest threats to global public health, responsible for over one million deaths each year. WHO reports that AMR is most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.
In its latest reports, the UN health agency emphasized that overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and crops is the primary driver of resistance. Without urgent action, WHO predicts that AMR could cause 39 million deaths worldwide by 2050.
A Worsening Crisis
“Resistance is increasing, yet the number of new treatments and diagnostic tools is insufficient to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections,” warned Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Deputy Director-General. She stressed that without greater investment in research and development and targeted efforts to deliver new treatments to those who need them most, resistant infections will continue to spread.
WHO defines AMR as the evolution of microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, and parasites—that can no longer be treated with antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.
Innovation Shortfall
The development of new antimicrobial agents faces a “dual crisis” of scarcity and lack of innovation. In 2023, 97 antibacterial drugs were in clinical development; today, only 90 remain, with just 15 considered truly innovative.
At the preclinical research stage, roughly 232 projects are ongoing, but 90% of the 148 companies involved are small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees, highlighting the fragile state of the antimicrobial R&D ecosystem.
WHO is calling for increased investment and new funding models to support small and medium-sized companies working on antibacterial research and diagnostics. The agency also urges researchers to share data on antibacterial activity to encourage collaboration, attract investment, and accelerate innovation.
Without urgent action, AMR threatens to worsen into a global health catastrophe.
