WHO Says Antibiotic Pipeline Is Thinning as Innovation Stalls
The agency calls for new financing to sustain small developers.
Overview
- Two new WHO reports find the clinical antibacterial pipeline has dropped to 90 candidates from 97 in 2023, with only 15 considered innovative.
- Since 2017, just 17 antibacterial agents targeting priority pathogens have received market authorization.
- Preclinical research counts about 232 antibacterial projects, with nearly 90% led by companies with fewer than 50 employees.
- WHO highlights shortages in child-friendly formulations and oral options suitable for outpatient care.
- Officials urge governments and investors to publish antibacterial activity data, boost funding, and support diagnostics designed for low-resource settings.