Forecast of Antibiotic Development in an Era of Increasing Bacterial Resistance

Abstract

Over the last decade there has been a decreased number of novel antimicrobial agents introduced to the market due to multiple factors including reduced governmental funding, marginal research and development interest by the pharmaceutical industry, lack of return on investment relative to medications used for chronic illnesses, and spiking microbial resistance trends. In an effort to most judiciously use the available armamentarium of anti-infectives available, many hospitals are implementing stewardship programs to re-direct inappropriate antibiotic use, which is estimated to account for up to 50% of all antibiotics prescribed. These efforts make it increasingly evident that the best defense against inappropriate antimicrobial use is accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases. Both the public and federal government must recognize the need for new and improved antimicrobials, as well as augmented infection control strategies and diagnostic techniques, to appropriately aid in the facilitation of bacterial control or eradication.