We fight antibiotic resistance

What impact does antibiotic resistance have on society?

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem today. Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals, as well as deficiencies in prevention and control of infections, have created multi-resistant bacteria that pose a serious threat to healthcare systems.

When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, conventional treatments no longer work, infections persist and patients have a worse prognosis and greater risk of dying. Antibiotic resistance causes 2,500 deaths each year in our country. This situation generates €150 million in additional healthcare spending each year.

What does biotechnology do to mitigate this impact?

The Spanish biotechnology industry is a key player in tackling this global problem through research, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. 

Biotechnology is essential in studying resistance mechanisms, designing new diagnostic methods and discovering new antimicrobial therapies. Raising social awareness of this silent crisis and calling attention to the sector’s efforts in this area are also part of the actions being carried out to find solutions to this issue.

How are AseBio and its members working to address this challenge?

We work to facilitate access to antimicrobial drugs in the national healthcare system, so they will incentivise investment in this field, foster innovation, bring security to the industry and promote new start-ups. 

At AseBio we take part in forums and initiatives that drive knowledge of this issue from a One Health approach, and we encourage public funding in this field. We have to call attention to and valorise the efforts of the biotech industry around this problem, boosting communication and raising awareness among the general public.

• AseBio works through the Antibiotic Resistance workgroup to address this crisis through the biotechnology industry, through prevention, R&D, diagnostics, treatment and funding.