October 15, 2012
The Question
What broad-based economic solutions could help fight the growing threat of antibiotic resistance?
What we found
Antibiotic overuse remains largely unchecked and is a significant driver of drug resistance. Taxing or rewarding healthcare facilities based on their level of commitment to stewardship are two potential solutions to limit improper antibiotic use. On the drug development side, incentives should bolster innovation while making sure that new drugs are not oversold.
Why it matters
Unless many stakeholders commit to working together to limit improper antibiotic use and encourage the development of new drugs, the demand for working antibiotics might soon outpace our supply.
