Current economic and regulatory challenges in developing antibiotics for Gram-negative bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global threat projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Antibiotics are becoming ineffective, leading to poor health outcomes and economic burden. Despite the urgent need, scientific, economic, and regulatory challenges hinder antibiotic development, causing major companies to exit the field. This review explores the AMR crisis, challenges in antibiotic development, particularly for Gram-negative bacteria, and potential solutions to revitalise the antibiotic pipeline.