Pandemic-level infectious diseases that have plagued mankind for centuries are sometimes called ‘the enemy we cannot see’. While years of relentless research and innovation, like the discovery of antibiotics, addressed this problem, a more ominous one emerged.
This is antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the emergence of superbugs or the development of multidrug-resistant organisms.
AMR, where microorganisms once sensitive to a strain of antimicrobial medicine become resistant, has been described by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) as a global challenge that continues to undermine public healthcare if it persists . This means that an antibiotic that was used before to treat infections like pneumonia, may not be effective on your next pneumonia episode.
If no advancements are made to combat AMR, patients may suffer from longer hospital stays and increasing costs associated with the stay . On top of that, 10 million deaths every year by 2050 are foreseen globally. One course of collective action has been the establishment of the AMR Action fund by the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and is supported by the IFPMA. The goal is to fund the production of two to four novel antibiotics by 2030 to mitigate the rising effects of AMR across the world. Biopharma Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) has pledged its commitment to invest $100 million for over 10 years in the AMR Action Fund.
This collaboration among leading pharmaceutical companies, philanthropies, development banks, and multilateral organizations aims to bridge the gap between science and people, opening opportunities to sustain and continue antibiotic research and development.
AMR in the Philippines
In the case of the Philippines, about 14,000 cases of drug-resistant infections were identified within the past decade alone. Because of this, the Department of Health (DOH) tagged AMR a national priority and has called for joint efforts “in the pursuit of a better healthcare system for our countrymen.” An Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program was implemented by the DOH through the Philippine Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: One Health Approach, implemented by the Inter-Agency Committee on AMR (ICAMR) . In 2018, the 2nd Philippine AMR Summit was held, with organizations such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), UN Agencies, WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in attendance to ensure AMR programs are in place and implemented at the hospital level.
Part of the Philippines’ action plan against AMR spread is to level up and strengthen its surveillance and laboratory capacity to help in curbing AMR cases. A crucial part of the plan also involves multi-sectoral cooperation to continue to spread awareness of AMR. And in the time of a pandemic, preventing infection is more crucial than ever. Addressing antibiotic resistance to battle those infections that could potentially make a disease such as COVID-19 more life-threatening has become more critical than ever.
Healthcare organizations taking action
Acting now is a critical and vital step since AMR is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Continuous research and development, and a consistent and continuous effort to spread awareness on the need for new antibiotics will help slow down this natural phenomenon, keeping the world one step ahead in combating AMR.
MSD Chief Patient Officer and Executive Vice President for Strategic Communications, Global Public Policy, and Population Health Julie L. Gerberding, M.D recently penned an article about the urgency of addressing AMR globally as it is a threat lurking behind the COVID-19 pandemic. In the piece, she emphasizes that people “cannot be complacent about antibiotic resistance,” and that measures must be enacted to “ensure that we have the antibiotics we need — today and in the future. The time to act is now.” For its part, MSD in the Philippines remains committed towards innovating and inventing medical solutions in fighting AMR. “AMR is ever-evolving. We have to act NOW, and take on greater roles and responsibilities in dedicating organization-led efforts to create a healthier, brighter future for the Filipino people. More and newer innovations are needed in the country, and more Filipinos should have access to these innovations,” said Dr. Beaver Tamesis, Managing Director of MSD in the Philippines. “By taking a bold step in raising AMR awareness and joining multiple stakeholders in this fight, we’re staying true to our commitment to discover, develop and help provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives. We’re always inventing for life.