The Anti-Microbial Resistance problem

The Rising Threat of AMR

Bacterial infections have become a significant global health challenge due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, rendering standard treatments ineffective. This resistance arises from the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and agriculture, creating an environment where resistant strains thrive.

The AMR Death Toll

The current impact of AMR is profound, with over 700,000 deaths annually attributed to drug-resistant infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that, without intervention, this number could escalate to over 10 million deaths per year by 2050. This surge threatens to undermine medical advances, making routine surgeries, minor infections, and common illnesses potentially life-threatening.

AMR's Wide Impact

Beyond human health, AMR poses serious risks to other antibiotic market segments such as aquaculture, agriculture, and food production. In aquaculture, resistant bacteria can lead to devastating losses in fish and seafood populations, impacting food security and economies reliant on these industries. In agriculture, AMR can result in crop diseases that are harder to control, reducing yields and increasing costs for farmers. Similarly, in food production, resistant bacteria can contaminate food supplies, posing risks to consumers and leading to costly recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks.

The Economic Burden of AMR

The economic burden of AMR is equally alarming. Healthcare costs soar due to prolonged hospital stays, more intensive care, and the need for more expensive and complex treatments. Additionally, AMR hampers the effectiveness of treatments for chronic diseases and compromises the success of major surgeries and cancer therapies.

Phagestack Has Solutions

Addressing AMR requires a multifaceted approach. This includes developing new antibiotics, improving infection prevention and control measures, promoting the responsible use of existing antibiotics, and exploring alternative treatments such as phage therapy. Phagestack is at the forefront of this effort. Phagestack technology leverages bioinformatics and advanced phage technology to enable its customers to provide  targeted, sustainable solutions to bacterial infections, aiming to mitigate the growing threat of AMR and safeguard public health.