Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading causes of death globally, yet the number of antibiotics targeting resistant infections is deficient; no new classes have been discovered since the 1980s. Investment in new antimicrobials is not commercially attractive because usage is restricted to slow the development of resistance, meaning low sales. We need a viable commercial model globally to support the development of new antibiotics.

In 2019, the National Health Service (NHS) in England, in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), pioneered an innovative pilot project to determine the viability of a subscription model in which the government pays companies a fixed annual fee based on the antimicrobial’s value to patients, irrespective of the volume of prescriptions. This means that even in the face of very low sales, companies have a financial incentive to research, develop, and supply new products.

After the pilot’s success, the UK is seeking feedback on proposals to expand the subscription model to more antimicrobial products, focusing on those active against pathogens on the World Health Organization Priority List. NHS England and NICE have developed a more pragmatic approach to determining the value of payments for eligible products, which should shorten the time between products coming to market and contracts being in place. Hosted by the Milken Institute, this webinar will look at lessons learned from England’s pilot and how the UK proposes to implement the antibiotics subscription model.

Speakers:

Sophie Cooper
Senior Scientific Adviser, Science Policy and Research, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

David Glover
Assistant Director of Medicines Analysis, Medicines Value and Access, National Health Service England