Global Awareness Week Urges Innovation to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance
Amsterdam, Friday, 21 November 2025.
From November 18 to 24, stakeholders emphasize a unified One Health approach and highlight Transferable Exclusivity Vouchers to spur antibiotic innovation, addressing the urgent AMR threat.
Global Efforts to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
The Global Awareness Week on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), running from November 18 to 24, 2025, underscores the critical need for a collaborative global effort to tackle the rising threat of AMR. This initiative is driven by the One Health concept, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors to prevent and manage health risks more effectively [1].
Importance of One Health Approach
The One Health approach is pivotal in addressing AMR as it recognizes the interconnectedness of health systems. By fostering collaboration across human medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and environmental sectors, this holistic strategy aims to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance [1]. In Europe alone, AMR is responsible for approximately 670,000 infections and 33,000 deaths annually, highlighting the urgency of this initiative [1].
Transferable Exclusivity Vouchers as a Catalyst for Innovation
A significant innovation highlighted during the Global Awareness Week is the proposal of Transferable Exclusivity Vouchers (TEVs). These vouchers are designed to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop new antibiotics by extending the commercial exclusivity of another drug, thereby potentially reinvigorating research and development in this critical area [1]. However, the implementation of TEVs requires careful consideration to ensure they lead to genuine public health benefits without inflating drug costs [1].
Role of the Biopharmaceutical Industry
The biopharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in combating AMR. Companies are actively developing new antibiotics, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, and researching alternative treatments. In Belgium, organizations such as AMCRA and BAPCOC, supported by pharma.be, are at the forefront of monitoring antibiotic use and encouraging sustainable practices [1]. The industry’s involvement is vital to sustaining the effectiveness of current and future antibiotics.