Understanding the Global Threat of Gram-Negative Bacteria
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant public health concern, with gram-negative bacteria being the leading culprits of life-threatening infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) as critical threats, emphasizing the urgency of new antibiotic discovery. As AMR now ranks as the 3rd-leading cause of death globally, addressing this challenge is more important than ever.
Challenges in Antibiotic Development
Recent advancements in antibiotic development have primarily been characterized by minor enhancements to existing classes of drugs, particularly β-lactam antibiotics, which have already faced resistance issues. There remains a troubling shortage of novel antibiotics that target new modes of action essential for fighting these resilient bacterial strains. The multi-faceted obstacles to establishing a diverse pipeline of effective antibiotics cannot be overlooked. Crucially, one of the key hurdles has been the absence of coordinated investment and collaboration within the scientific community.
The Grand Challenges RFP: A Collaborative Step Forward
The introduction of the Grand Challenges Request for Proposals (RFP) represents a promising initiative aimed at fostering collaboration across various sectors in the fight against gram-negative infections. By establishing a consortium approach that emphasizes cooperation and data sharing, this initiative seeks to unify efforts in early antibiotic discovery. Successful applicants will be those who demonstrate a commitment to collaborative research, thus paving the way for innovative solutions to combat gram-negative AMR.
For more details of this grant visit its official website
Apply by 25th March 2025