Renewed Introduction of the PASTEUR Act Returns AMR to National Agenda

The renewed introduction in the 117th Congress of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act, a bipartisan House and Senate bill to support the development of new antibiotics and promote their appropriate use, opens a critical opportunity for legislators to combat a growing and global public health crisis.

The legislation, which was introduced today by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), and by Rep. Michael Doyle (D-PA) and Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA), reflects Infectious Diseases Society of America priorities and recommendations and those of other experts in the field of antibiotic resistance. Following the release of the Biden Administration budget proposal for FY 22, which fell short on commitments to support antimicrobial stewardship, research and development, the measures supported by this legislation are more crucial than ever. In addition to attention to antibiotics, the re-introduced legislation would support the development of much needed antifungal medicines. The PASTEUR Act is a central mechanism through which the U.S. can meet its recent G7 commitments “to ensure sustainable innovation in antimicrobial R&D . . . whilst encouraging appropriate provisions for stewardship.”