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
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References:
The Lancet. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis.
World Health Organization. New report calls for urgent action to avert the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
WHO: Antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: an overview and analysis
David Thomas, CFA and Wessel Chad. The State of Innovation in Antibacterial Therapeutics. BIO INDUSTRY ANALYSIS. 2022