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Pioneering in Antibiotics

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health security challenge. Drug-resistant bacterial infections cause deaths worldwide. The lack of effective antibiotics is threatening modern medicine, making essential preventive and life-saving interventions increasingly difficult and allowing hospital-acquired infections to spread.

Beyond the individual burden, the impact of AMR on national economies is significant and will further increase as prolonged illness affects the productivity of patients and their caregivers. For example, it has been estimated that AMR has cost health systems in Europe more than 9 billion euros per year. In the USA, it is estimated that AMR adds 20 billion dollars to direct healthcare costs and costs about 35 billion dollars in productivity losses annually.1

At Roche, we are highly committed and uniquely placed to help counter the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We are investing in new antibiotics against bacteria resistant to currently available medicines, as well as diagnostic technologies.

We are working with partners across sectors to ensure a global response backed by real action in countries around the world. We are at the forefront of innovation and we hope this excellence serves as an inspiration for the global effort against bacterial infections. Our commitment is driven by the relentless effort to push the boundaries of R&D science. We know that every discovery in antibiotic therapy is more than just a scientific breakthrough - it is also a source of hope.

is one of the 10 global public health threats currently facing humanity declared by the WHO

deaths attributable to bacterial AMR in 20192

AMR could claim as many as 10 million people per year by 20503

2023, the WHO classified as innovative only 12 antibiotics in clinical development that address the WHO list of priority pathogens4

of candidates originating from small companies5

Deliver 2-4 novel antibiotics by 2030 is the objective of the AMR Action Fund

The history of antibiotics development

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to cancer care, and if not addressed urgently, all the progress we have made in preventing and treating cancer will be undermined. Cancer patients are particularly prone to infections due to weakened immune systems. About one in five cancer patients undergoing treatment are hospitalised due to an infection, with antibiotics being their main line of defense.

Dr Cary Adams

Chief Executive Officer of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)

It is vital that new incentives are in place that give governments the supply of new antibiotics they need and companies the certainty required to invest in research.

Michael Oberreiter

Head of Global Access, Roche

The UN Political Declaration on AMR in 2024 highlighted the role of ‘pull’ incentives to catalyse R&D. It is vital that there is now a coordinated effort and collaboration between industry, academia, healthcare institutions, governments, regulators, and payers to bring this to life.

Tamara Schudel

VP & Head of Global Policy, Roche

As a practicing infectious diseases physician, I witness firsthand the urgent need for innovative solutions. I am proud to work for a company that is at the forefront of addressing this critical unmet need by developing novel antibiotics that target gram-negative pathogens, and I am confident that our R&D efforts will directly improve outcomes for patients battling life-threatening infections.

Melicent Peck

Senior Director, gRED Portfolio Strategy and Management and Attending Physician, UCSF Department of Medicine, San Francisco. U.S.

Antibiotics are fundamental to global health, and I am genuinely excited and proud that we at Roche are committed to advancing research in this critical area. We are working to overcome antibiotic resistance by identifying new, effective antibacterials and defining their optimal dosing regimens through innovative pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic approaches.

Caterina Bissantz

Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics Lead, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development

I am thrilled to have been part of the team that developed a groundbreaking new class of antibiotics with the potential to save countless lives. I am incredibly proud of our team's dedication and tenacity, which is a testament to collaborative scientific innovation.

Patrizio Mattei

Distinguished Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development

Developing the next generation of antibiotics is a complex challenge that requires collaboration across the public and private sectors. Only through successful partnerships can we make a meaningful impact on global health security.

Asja Praetor

Head External Alliances Infectious Diseases, Pharma Research and Early Development

It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of Roche researchers who developed antibiotics that are still on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. I am proud to contribute to the development of a novel antibiotic that has the potential to play a critical role in the fight against microbial resistance.

Valerie Cosson

Expert Scientist in Clinical Pharmacometrics, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development

I am proud to work at Roche, where we have a legacy of addressing global health issues; and I hope that together we can overcome the challenges of antimicrobial resistance.

Aurelia Arry

Regulatory Program Director, Roche Pharma Product Development

In the spotlight

Combating the Global Threat

To play our part in global health security, Roche is actively collaborating with various partners to innovate and develop new antibiotics.

Explore and learn

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Advancing Novel Classes of Antibiotics

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Roche’s lifesaving legacy in antibiotic innovation

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New era of antibiotics potentially in sight after more than 50 years

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Rising to the challenge

As multidrug resistant strains of bacteria are posing a growing threat to human health worldwide, our scientists are working hard on the next generation of antibiotics and diagnostic tests.

Read more about Roche's work in the field of antibiotics

Diagnostics for infectious diseases

Protecting people from pathogens requires innovative strategies, coordinated efforts, and a firm commitment to act.

The role of diagnostic testing in an era of antimicrobial stewardship

As new antibiotics are developed and used widely around the world, bacteria evolve in parallel, developing resistance and outrunning our ability to treat common infections. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are difficult to treat, killing an estimated 700,000 people a year worldwide.

References:

  2. The Lancet. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis.

  3. World Health Organization. New report calls for urgent action to avert the antimicrobial resistance crisis.

  4. WHO: Antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: an overview and analysis

  5. David Thomas, CFA and Wessel Chad. The State of Innovation in Antibacterial Therapeutics. BIO INDUSTRY ANALYSIS. 2022

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Roche position on incentivising the development and appropriate use of new antibiotics

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