Collectively, the findings highlight critical gaps and urgent needs across research, diagnostics, and surveillance, underscoring the importance of coordinated global action to combat AMR.
The report Analysis of antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: overview and analysis 2025 describes that the antibacterial pipeline is shrinking, with only 90 drugs in development—50 traditional antibiotics and 40 non-traditional. Just 15 of these are innovative, and only 5 target critical drug-resistant bacteria. There are notable gaps in paediatric and oral formulations, with minimal progress since 2017. The WHO calls for urgent investment and policy action to combat rising antimicrobial resistance.
The Landscape analysis of commercially available and pipeline in vitro diagnostics for bacterial priority pathogens report reviews global diagnostics for bacterial priority pathogens, focusing on AMR, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It notes a lack of rapid, accurate diagnostics at primary and district healthcare levels, especially for bloodstream infections and AST. The report urges innovation in affordable point-of-care tests, expansion of host biomarker use, and R&D for simplified, resource-appropriate diagnostic platforms.
The Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025 reveals a sharp global increase in antibiotic resistance, with surveillance now covering over 70% of the world’s population but still lacking data from Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America. Resistance is most severe in Gram-negative bacteria, especially to key antibiotics like cephalosporins and carbapenems. Low- and middle-income countries face greater risks due to limited monitoring and diagnostics. The report calls for more investment in surveillance, diagnostics, stewardship, and equitable access to both data and antibiotics.
In summary, the 2025 WHO reports collectively underscore the urgent need for coordinated global action to address the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance. Strengthening health systems, expanding funding, and prioritising tailored interventions are critical steps to safeguarding the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.
Authored by Valentijn Schweitzer and Holger Rohde
References
- Analysis of antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: overview and analysis 2025
- Landscape analysis of commercially available and pipeline in vitro diagnostics for bacterial priority pathogens
- Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025
WHO releases new reports on new tests and treatments in development for bacterial infections