The looming superbug crisis: Politics, profit, and Big Pharma | Matt McCarthy | Big Think

Recent questions

• How did the discovery of penicillin impact antibiotic development?

  The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 at St. Mary's Hospital led to the golden era of antibiotic development in the 1950s. This breakthrough revolutionized medicine by providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections, saving countless lives. Penicillin's success inspired researchers to explore and develop new antibiotics to combat various diseases, marking a significant shift in focus towards improving healthcare and combating infectious diseases.

• What challenges do pharmaceutical companies face in creating new antibiotics?

  Pharmaceutical companies face challenges in creating new antibiotics due to bacterial resistance. Bacteria have evolved into drug-resistant superbugs by developing mechanisms like efflux pumps and enzymes, making it difficult to develop effective treatments. Additionally, developing new antibiotics is costly, with many companies hesitant to invest in research and development due to financial risks and uncertain returns on investment. This poses a significant obstacle in addressing the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

• Why do hospitals often not use newly approved antibiotics?

  Hospitals often do not use newly approved antibiotics due to high costs, leaving patients without treatment options. Despite the availability of new antibiotics, hospitals may opt for older, cheaper alternatives to manage costs. This reluctance to adopt new treatments can limit patient access to effective medications and contribute to the persistence of antibiotic-resistant infections. The high cost of new antibiotics presents a barrier to their widespread use, highlighting the need for solutions to address affordability and accessibility in healthcare settings.

• How has antibiotic misuse contributed to the emergence of superbugs?

  Antibiotic misuse has contributed to the emergence of superbugs by promoting bacterial resistance. Bacteria evolve by being exposed to small amounts of drugs, prompting them to develop resistance mechanisms. Practices such as inappropriate antibiotic use in commercial agriculture, such as using tuberculosis and syphilis drugs in orange groves, antifungal drugs in tulip gardens, and overusing antibiotics in meat-producing animals, have accelerated the development of drug-resistant bacteria. This misuse of antibiotics has led to the generation of superbugs that are difficult to treat and pose a significant threat to public health.

• Why is government intervention necessary in addressing the market failure in antibiotic production?

  Government intervention is necessary in addressing the market failure in antibiotic production due to the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the reluctance of companies to invest in new antibiotic research highlight the need for regulatory measures to incentivize antibiotic development. Push and pull incentives have been proposed to encourage pharmaceutical companies to invest in antibiotic research and development. Government intervention is crucial to ensure the availability of effective antibiotics, combat antibiotic resistance, and safeguard public health in the face of evolving infectious diseases.