President Joe Biden has unveiled a new initiative to tackle drug-resistant bacteria with a $100 million research drive. Infections caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics result in over a million deaths worldwide each year, and in the United States alone, the number stands at more than 35,000 annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue as hospitalized patients have been treated with antibiotics and exposed to infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to the rise of antimicrobial-resistant microbes, creating a pressing need for new antibiotics. However, drugmakers have little incentive to develop them as antibiotics are not particularly profitable, and overuse must be discouraged.
The research will be led by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a government research agency launched by President Biden and Congress last year. This antimicrobial initiative will be the largest investment to date for ARPA-H. The President plans to announce the initiative during a meeting with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in San Francisco. The council includes academic experts as well as officials from Advanced Micro Devices, Microsoft, and Google.
In addition to the antimicrobial initiative, President Biden also intends to discuss an executive order on artificial intelligence during the meeting, which is set to be released in the coming months. The initiative and executive order demonstrate the President’s commitment to addressing pressing health and technology challenges that impact society. By investing in research and innovation, the aim is to develop solutions that can effectively combat drug-resistant bacteria and promote responsible antibiotic use to safeguard public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the main goal of President Biden's new initiative on drug-resistant bacteria?
The main goal of President Biden's new initiative is to tackle drug-resistant bacteria by investing $100 million in research.
Why is addressing drug-resistant bacteria important?
Addressing drug-resistant bacteria is important because infections caused by these bacteria result in over a million deaths worldwide each year. In the United States alone, the number stands at more than 35,000 annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the issue, making it crucial to find effective solutions.
How has the misuse and overuse of antibiotics contributed to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria?
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. When antibiotics are not used properly, bacteria can develop resistance mechanisms, making them less susceptible to the drugs. This creates a pressing need for new antibiotics that can effectively combat these drug-resistant microbes.
Why have drugmakers had little incentive to develop new antibiotics?
Drugmakers have had little incentive to develop new antibiotics because they are not particularly profitable. Unlike other medications that patients may take for chronic conditions, antibiotics are typically used for a limited duration. This means that the demand and revenue for new antibiotics may not be as consistent or long-lasting as for other drugs, reducing the financial motivation for drugmakers.
Who will lead the research for this antimicrobial initiative?
The research for this antimicrobial initiative will be led by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a government research agency launched by President Biden and Congress last year. This initiative will be the largest investment to date for ARPA-H.
Who will President Biden be meeting with to announce the initiative?
President Biden will be meeting with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in San Francisco to announce the initiative. The council comprises academic experts and officials from companies such as Advanced Micro Devices, Microsoft, and Google.
What additional topic will President Biden discuss during the meeting?
President Biden will also discuss an executive order on artificial intelligence during the meeting, which is set to be released in the coming months. This demonstrates the President's commitment to addressing pressing health and technology challenges that impact society.
What is the overarching aim of investing in research and innovation for this initiative?
The overarching aim of investing in research and innovation is to develop solutions that can effectively combat drug-resistant bacteria and promote responsible antibiotic use to safeguard public health. This initiative reflects President Biden's commitment to tackling both current and future health challenges.
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