FIRST of its kind research examining the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Australia has shown the clinical and economic benefits of reducing 'superbug' infections.
The study found reducing AMR in three specific hospital-acquired infections in Australia by 95% over 10 years saved 9,041 hospital bed days and avoided 6,644 daily doses of antibiotics.1
This would result in an estimated saving of $10.5 million in hospitalisation costs and an estimated total economic benefit of up to $412 million to the Australian economy.
If a 10-50% reduction was achieved this would still lead to an estimated total economic benefit of $16-$222 million.1
The paper, 'Quantifying the Economic and Clinical Value of Reducing Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-negative Pathogens Causing Hospital-Acquired Infections in Australia', was published online this month in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy.
"This new study shows a clear economic rationale for tackling AMR, said study co-author Prof Mark Blaskovich, Centre for Superbug Solutions, The University of Queensland.
"Part of the answer to this problem is the need for new antimicrobials, but a key challenge is that it's a broken market.
"Australia urgently needs to adopt innovative reimbursement schemes that adequately value investment in the development and commercialisation of effective new antimicrobials," shared Blaskovich.
"There are several overseas examples we can look to, including subscription-style funding models being piloted in the UK."
Data from Australian-specific research estimates that resistant bacterial infections kill 290 people annually with the numbers to rise to 10,430 people by 2050, with healthcare costs predicted to reach $521 million.2
Separate research shows that the current clinical pipeline for new antimicrobials is unlikely to address the increasing emergence and spread of AMR, with multiple reports showing fewer than 50 antibiotics in clinical development around the world.3,4,5
AMR occurs over time whenever antimicrobials are used, however, overuse and inappropriate use can amplify this effect.6
The 2016 estimates suggest more than 700,000 people per year globally die from AMR bacterial infections and that this figure could rise to 10 million per year by 2050.7
References are available HERE.
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