Saving millions of lives, antibiotics are one of the miracles of modern medicine. Sadly they are under threat as resistance in bacteria is spreading expeditiously around the planet. Some experts call it one of the biggest threats we currently face as humankind. Yet, we are doing neigh on nothing to stop it.

It is almost impossible for biotech companies to recuperate the costs of developing an antibiotic agent. As a result, almost no one is doing it - Image Credit: Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics (sometimes called antibacterials) are a type of antimicrobial substance that is active against bacteria. It is the most significant type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections. Antibiotic medications are widely used in the prevention and treatment of such infections. They can either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

The relatively low barrier for access and the incredible efficacy of antibiotics has inadvertently led to overuse, and some dangerous bacteria have evolved immunity to them. This is, in essence, the mechanism that has brought on antibiotic resistance.

Since antibiotic resistance is becoming a bigger and bigger issue, they are no longer routinely used to treat relatively trivial health issues such as sore throats and ear infections in most EU countries and the UK. Regrettably, this may have been the case in the past and might still be going on in some countries, which is part of the reason why we are in the position that we are in.

The World Health Organization has labeled antimicrobial resistance as a global "serious threat [that] is no longer a prediction for the future, it is happening right now in every region of the world and has the potential to affect anyone, of any age, in any country."

How antibiotic resistance happens - Image Credit: ducu59us via Shutterstock

We received some expert statements from Annemiek Verkamman, managing director of HollandBio, representing Dutch biotech/life science organizations. According to Verkamman, antibiotic resistance poses such a severe threat to public health that there is talk of an upcoming 'pandemic' among experts in the field. Yet only a handful of small and medium-sized biotech companies are developing new antibiotics.

Why are so few new antibiotics in development?

Development of these new antibiotics happens against the better judgment of investors, as the necessary investments cannot be recouped financially. In the meantime, the resistance of pathogenic fungi and bacteria to antibiotics continues to increase in a noticeable manner. According to Verkamman, we are observing a 'ticking timebomb,' yet we do almost nothing to stop it.

Verkamman continues by stating that antibiotics should be used sparingly; as use boosts the potential for antibiotic resistance. This leads to a bizarre paradox for the biotech sector. Developing an effective antibiotic but subsequently telling that it should not be used unless absolutely necessary due to the risk of new antibiotic resistance. The sparing use of antibiotics, therefore, inhibits innovation in the long term.

According to Verkamman, we need to stimulate the development of antibiotics in other ways. We could look at charity funds or a subscription model as a form of alternative funding. It would also be smart to put aside some public funds since the development of new antibiotics is in our common interest.

Verkamman ends by mentioning that the Netherlands was previously able to arm itself against the sea with the so-called 'Delta Works' (a series of extremely large construction projects that saved the country from severe flooding). She wants us to arm ourselves against antibiotic resistance with an 'Infectious Diseases Delta Works' against future waves of infectious diseases. After all, prevention is better than cure.

We may need a global ‘delta works’ plan to provide in our common interest and prevent potential future waves of infectious diseases - Image Credit: GLF Media via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci

Let's not end on a downer. At least some efforts are being made as Belgian researchers seek to accelerate the development of a new type of antibiotic; on top of that, perhaps artificial intelligence will prove an ally in our battle against antibiotic resistance.

Nonetheless, it is clear that we need to put more effort and capital into antibiotic research. Unfortunately, this is hard to stimulate such investments as the potential for returns is very low. Ergo, we as a civilization should feel the necessity to invest in our common interests.

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