Untreatable infections: Meeting the threat to safeguard the future of healthcare in Europe

Summary paper of AMR-event hosted by MEP Stine Bosse and MEP Eszter Lakos in Brussels April 2025

On 8 April 2025, MEP Stine Bosse and MEP Eszter Lakos, in collaboration with the AMR Action Fund, the BEAM Alliance, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, hosted an event focused on the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The event was held at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Key stakeholders from EU institutions, industry, NATO, civil society, and NGOs gathered to discuss strategies for addressing AMR, combining economic incentives, public awareness and international cooperation to effectively combat this issue. The discussion highlighted the profound human and financial costs associated with ineffective antibiotics, stressing the necessity for new market mechanisms to combat this challenge.

Participants underlined the economic burden of AMR, particularly within EU/EEA countries, where insufficient action incurs substantial healthcare costs. Effective interventions could potentially save billions annually, offering high returns on investment.

Cancer patients were identified as especially vulnerable to AMR, given their heightened risk of infections due to weakened immune systems. The critical nature of ensuring safe treatments for these patients was emphasised, as AMR threatens to set back cancer care significantly.

Security concerns were also raised, with AMR posing severe challenges in conflict zones like Ukraine. The difficulties in managing bacterial spread in war conditions highlighted the broader implications of AMR for global security.

The innovation landscape was discussed, highlighting that half of the global pipeline for new antimicrobials was managed by SMEs. It was recognised that the current market model had failed to adequately support the development of new treatments, making investments in research and innovation crucial. There was a need for sustainable models to ensure long-term development. Furthermore, the need for innovative approaches beyond new antibiotics was emphasised, including infection prevention and alternative treatments. Several strategies were proposed to address market failures, such as subscription models and voucher systems designed to incentivise the development of new antimicrobials. The importance of stewardship and the adaptation of new laws to regulate antibiotic use were also underscored.

Public engagement and understanding of AMR were deemed crucial, with calls for increased awareness of the dangers of antibiotic overuse. Strategies to support start-ups and scale-ups were suggested, including simplifying authorisation processes and focusing on innovation procurement to create a viable market.

The role of international alliances and organisations was emphasised, with collaborative efforts necessary to drive innovation and ensure the availability of effective treatments.

Overall, the event emphasised the need for more ambitious strategies to generate incentives ensuring the industry’s continued engagement. It highlighted the necessity for an innovative mindset and new approaches to solutions, such as considering the classification of cancer treatments as an antibiotic, given their economic impact and the importance of valuing advancements in healthcare.

Read the full paper here