Reviving antibiotic innovation - Tackling the AMR brain drain to rebuild the global antimicrobial R&D community

Introduction and objectiveAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is associated with more than 4.7 million deaths annually and is exacerbated by the lack of new antibiotics. Three decades of pharmaceutical industry withdrawal from antimicrobial research and development (R&D) have reduced both the antibiotic pipeline and the expertise needed to sustain innovation. The objective of this abstract it to describe the impact of the antimicrobial R&D brain drain and present REVIVE as a model for strengthening scientific capacity and collaboration. Challenges and responseAccording to published reports (1), the antimicrobial R&D workforce has declined substantially, with an estimated 3,000 active researchers worldwide compared with approximately 29,500 in cancer research. Analyses indicate that only around 10% of researchers employed by companies exiting antimicrobial R&D remained in the field after subsequent career moves. Research activity has also declined, with fewer publications and patents than other therapeutic areas, while antibiotic innovation increasingly depends on financially vulnerable biotechnology companies. To help address these challenges, GARDP launched REVIVE (revive.gardp.org) in 2018 as a free global platform providing knowledge, training and networking opportunities across the antimicrobial R&D pathway. REVIVE connects researchers through webinars, conferences, expert articles, an online encyclopaedia and an international expert network. To date, REVIVE has delivered more than 90 webinars with over 17,000 participants, published more than 70 articles, developed over 325 encyclopaedia entries, hosted six annual online Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Conferences, connected more than 230 experts, collaborated with over 90 partners and reached researchers in more than 180 countries. By promoting knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration, REVIVE broadens access to expertise and strengthens the antimicrobial research community. Building on this foundation, REVIVE is expanding opportunities for expert advice, mentorship and community engagement to further support researchers developing solutions to drug-resistant infections. ConclusionRebuilding the antimicrobial innovation ecosystem requires investment in people as well as products. REVIVE demonstrates how knowledge sharing, professional networks and scientific collaboration can help address the antimicrobial R&D brain drain, strengthen research capacity and support the development of urgently needed solutions against AMR. (1) Leaving the lab. Tracking the decline in AMR R&D professionals. AMR Industry Alliance. February 2024.