Battling Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Abstract

The Obama Administration is ramping up the federal fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These so-called superbugs are linked to an estimated 23,000 deaths and 2 million infections in people each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). White House officials say the situation is a “growing crisis,” threatening national security and the economy. The new efforts, announced in mid-September, include a national strategy to address antibiotic resistance, a directive to federal agencies, and a $20 million prize. Recommendations for addressing the rise of antibiotic resistance from a high-level White House advisory group were also unveiled at the same time. The actions aim to show that the Obama Administration is serious about curbing the rise of deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria and beefing up the pipeline of new antibiotics and diagnostics. But some public health advocates say the measures do not go far enough, particularly with respect ...