Forbes: Building New Models To Support The Ailing Antibiotics Market
Rick Bright, director of BARDA, a component of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

“…[C]hallenges sustaining a robust enterprise to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance remain. … [L]arge pharmaceutical companies continue to withdraw from the antibiotic R&D space in favor of more profitable disease areas. … [T]he capital to acquire assets is available, but antibiotics are not a priority. … Now is the time to build new business models and novel partnerships that foster a robust end-to-end enterprise, making critically needed antimicrobials available to patients. … BARDA … will focus on bold ideas and new partnerships, utilizing its unique authorities to stimulate innovation, streamline R&D, and successfully commercialize critically needed antibiotics. Thereby, ensuring greater health security for our nation. In addition, the biotech and pharmaceutical industry must join in pursuing better, sustainable business models for antimicrobials. BARDA is ready to lead and join others. Now is the time for real change” (5/10).