How can our research make a difference?
Our innovative strategies for the discovery of novel antibiotics and antimicrobial therapies provide new hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
About AMR
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites evolve to no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of this drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and death.
The development of AMR is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens. Its emergence and spread is accelerated by human activity, mainly the misuse or overuse of antimicrobial therapies, such as antibiotics, to treat, prevent or control infections in humans, animals and plants.
In the twentieth century, a steady flow of new antibiotic classes was discovered, providing alternative treatments if a specific antibiotic was no longer effective. However, today we are facing a shortage of new drugs, with the last new antibiotic class being approved for treatment more than three decades ago.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR is one of the top global public health and development threats. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths globally1. Estimates predict that the number of deaths caused by AMR could rise to 50 million by 2050. The acceleration of this pandemic requires urgent and innovative action.
1. Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet; 399(10325): P629-655. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02724-0 »
How will NCCR AntiResist impact AMR?
NCCR AntiResist will make major contributions to the current global AMR crisis.
Transforming Antibacterial Research By fundamentally changing how scientists approach bacterial infection research, we strive to better understand resistance development, discover new ways to address gaps in current treatments, and ultimately open pathways to novel and improved antibacterial therapies. This has the potential to halt the progress of AMR and safeguard infection control for generations to come.
Targeting High Priority Pathogens In choosing to target Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Brucella melitensis, we are aiming for a substantial impact on mortality figures and quality of life for millions around the world.
If you would like further information about AMR, there is a comprehensive guide on the World Health Organisation AMR site »
