At ASPR, we're in the business of planning for future threats and ensuring that we have a pipeline of countermeasures at the ready to protect Americans during a disaster or emergency. As we look at the threats to our nation's health security, some, like antibiotic resistance, endanger health regardless of the disaster or emergency.
This week I was pleased to join BARDA colleagues and Boston University (BU) partners at the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) headquarters on the BU campus to discuss our plans to accelerate antibacterial product development in the years to come.
For over a decade, ASPR has been a leader in developing medical countermeasures to combat antimicrobial resistant infections, and in that role, we co-founded
CARB-X. This global public-private partnership brings innovation to the fight against antibiotic resistance and supports cutting-edge research by providing funding and advice on regulatory issues and business development to innovators.
Now, we are entering the next phase of that partnership.
Photo by Asia Kepka.
We know that bringing next-generation solutions across the finish line requires both technical expertise and secure funding. To achieve our goals, ASPR, through BARDA, will provide up to $300 million dollars over the next 10 years, and CARB-X co-founder
Wellcome Trust has committed up to $70 million in additional funding over the next 3 years to CARB-X. We are joined by our partners across the world who will continue to provide critical financial support and expertise under their previous commitments. Together, we are revitalizing the pipeline of early-stage candidate products to fight antimicrobial resistance through this unique international partnership.
Photos by Asia Kepka.
CARB-X supports the most scientifically diverse portfolio of new antibacterial products in development in the world. The portfolio contains new classes of antibiotics and non-traditional agents, vaccines, and more. Some CARB-X products have graduated to become part of BARDA's Advanced Research and Development Portfolio, which now contains 18 antimicrobial products from 14 companies. Seven of these antimicrobials are now in Phase 3 clinical development, the final stage of testing prior to potential approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
There is no single solution to address the threat of antimicrobial resistance, but our global partnership to build an innovative, diverse array of pre-clinical and early clinical products is making meaningful progress. I look forward to seeing the investments that we make today in time, funding, and expertise translate into a portfolio of tools that save lives in future disasters.