Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve over time and no longer respond to medicines. Without effective antimicrobials, the success of modern medicine in treating infections, could be wiped out. AMR is now defined by the WHO as one of the top 10 global public health threats and disproportionately affects people in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs).
It is a complex problem, with different regions and countries facing different challenges, meaning a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes the development new drugs, alongside rapid and low-cost diagnostics that can support the better use of existing and new antibiotics, and better data to help understand the scale of the problem.
Our aim
It is predicted that by 2050, more than 10 million people will lose their lives to AMR each year*. We want to help reduce morbidity and mortality from resistant antimicrobial infections by driving better use of existing treatments and the development of new targeted therapies for AMR. This will include the development of better diagnostics to support data-driven clinical decisions.Through our work, we hope to help slow the emergence of resistant infections and improve the ability to diagnose and treat them.
Our approach
As part of our investment in Global Health, which will total more than £100 million, our initial focus in AMR will be on bacterial resistance, where we will partner with established organisations to:
- discover new antibacterials
- develop rapid, low-cost, point of care, diagnostics
- better define the patient experience and unmet need
- understand the challenges faced by low- and middle- income countries and implement partnerships to develop tailored solutions (initially focused on sub-Saharan Africa)
If you work in AMR research or support people who have experienced AMR and would like to discuss more with us, please use the form below to get in touch.
*The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), O’Neill, July 2016