Forecasts show that by 2050, the Asia Pacific region will account for 47 per cent of AMRrelated deaths worldwide. Left unaddressed, AMRrelated costs in Asia are projected to rise from 550 billion to 700 billion by 2050, absorbing 0.8 per cent to 1 per cent of regional gross domestic product (GDP).
As the rapidly growing AMR threat transcends geography, economic status, and culture, we must find novel solutions that can be rapidly translated to commercial products for public health.
Singapore recognises the urgency of this AMR issue, with a robust suite of education, infection control, and research programmes implemented by local ministries and agencies responsible for human health, animal health, food and the environment.
AMR is a hidden pandemic’ that affects all forms of infectious disease: viruses, bacteria and parasites. These pathogens are all capable of developing resistance to vaccines and drugs, with the situation exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics.
Novel, high-impact solutions: Top priority
Apart from preventing excessive use and misuse of antibiotics through shepherding and use restrictions, other tools for combating AMR include monitoring, diagnostics, therapeutics, and regulatory reform. However, according to a 2021 report by the World Health Organisation, the antimicrobial pipeline was described as stagnant and far from meeting global needs. COVID-19 made things worse by diverting research efforts and investor attention. It’s time now to refocus on developing adaptive solutions to combat AMR.
The AMR problem is not limited to a specific pathogen, so researchers need to focus efforts on developing convergent technologies and making fundamental mechanistic discoveries that can be broadly translated to all AMR pathogens, and ultimately to clinical studies and commercial products for the public.
Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av BioSpectrum Asia.
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Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av BioSpectrum Asia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Prof. Christian Wolfrum to join NTU as Deputy President and Provost
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has announced that Professor Christian Wolfrum, an eminent biomedical scientist, will be joining the University as the next Deputy President and Provost.
Japan suggests addition of PVA into drugs for strong antitumour activity
Treatment for more advanced and difficult-to-treat head and neck cancers can be improved with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the same ingredient used in children's glue.
"Demand for skilled medtech professionals in the Asia Pacific region is growing rapidly"
2024 saw Japanese medtech firm Olympus receiving approval for the company's first cloud-based AI endoscopy devices in the US and Europe, marking a significant milestone in Olympus' efforts to enhance clinical outcomes and operational efficiency in endoscopy, paving the way to launch its upcoming endoscopy solution, the “Intelligent Endoscopy Ecosystem”.
BeiGene names Giancarlo Benelli as Head of Europe biz
BeiGene, a Hong Kong-headquartered oncology company that intends to change its name to BeOne Medicines Ltd., has announced the appointment of Giancarlo Benelli as Senior Vice President and Head of Europe, effective January 1.
Korea develops innovative injectable adhesive hydrogel for bone regeneration
A research team from South Korea-based Pohang University of Science and Technology or POSTECH's Department of Chemical Engineering and Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, along with the Department of Chemical Engineering, has developed an innovative injectable adhesive hydrogel for bone regeneration.
When Clinical Trials Suffer From 'Complicated' Interactions
Diversity in culture, language, and data gathering methods will further increase the difficulty of clinical trials as they become more international, particularly with the growing number of sites being employed across China, Japan, South Korea, and India.
Dr Krishna M Ella receives prestigious INSA India fellowship
Dr Krishna Ella, a distinguished scientist, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech International, has been recognised with the prestigious India Fellowship of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) for the year 2025, for his contributions to new knowledge, discoveries, development of new vaccine technologies, noteworthy improvement in existing technologies.
Bruker launches infrared imaging microscope for pharma and life science research
US-based Bruker Corporation has announced the launch of the LUMOS II ILIM, a quantum cascade laser (QCL) based infrared (IR) imaging microscope.
Qiagen increases QIAcuity digital PCR high-order multiplexing capabilities
Qiagen has announced a significant increase in the powerful capabilities of its QIAcuity Digital PCR (dPCR) system with a more than two-fold increase in the number of targets that can be simultaneously analysed from a single biological sample.
Repligen unveils advanced UV-based Variable Pathlength Technology system for biopharma manufacturers
US-based Repligen Corporation has announced the commercial launch of its CTech SoloVPE PLUS System, the most advanced UV-based Variable Pathlength Technology system now available to biopharmaceutical manufacturers.
