Improving access to effective antibiotics: Novel Medicines Platform working group aiming for consensus

WHO’s Novel Medicines Platform (NMP) has launched a working group on novel antimicrobials in Stockholm, Sweden, to explore policy alternatives to promote sustainable innovation of novel antibiotics and ensure access to older, existing ones. The group aims to develop proposals on concrete multistakeholder actions to enhance existing initiatives to promote access to antibiotics. The current antimicrobial research and development pipeline is inadequate in addressing the escalating emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with financial risk and lower expected return on investment being significant deterrents. The NMP will bring together stakeholders from the WHO European Region to build consensus on this issue, allowing for consultation and prioritization of proposals. Prioritized proposals and deliverables will act as proofs of concept for future scale-up and implementation across the Region.