Industry News: Antibiotic Research UK welcomes INEOS Oxford Institute to combat antimicrobial resistance as an important step forward

The University of Oxford has announced that it is creating a new AMR research institute to tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance thanks to a £100 million donation from the INEOS petrochemical company. Professor Colin Garner, Antibiotic Research UK’s Chief Executive, welcomed the news saying, ‘The creation of the new institute is a ringing endorsement of the urgent need to do more research into the development of new treatments to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact on human health. We look forward to collaborating with the new institute and extending our relationship with the University beyond the research projects that we have already funded.’ 

He continued, ‘£100 million is an important step but still a relatively small one in the context of antibiotic drug discovery. A recent report stated that to get one new antibiotic to the market costs over £1 billion. We need billions of pounds to make a significant impact. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem killing at least 700,000 people a year globally and if not addressed now, antibiotic resistance is forecast to kill 10 million people a year around the world by 2050.’

Antibiotic Research UK (ANTRUK) takes a holistic view of the problem of antibiotic resistance through its very active support programme for patients with resistant infections. ANTRUK also runs a vital education programme to inform the public and healthcare professionals about the dangers of the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, and funds a wide range of basic and applied research in collaboration with scientists around the UK. Working with the best experts from around the Country, ANTRUK is ideally placed to support national programmes and initiatives. 

Professor Garner concluded, ‘Research is for the long haul and that is why our charity is focused on both long-term research programmes and the here and now of patient support which has become more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our charity relies on public funds - If you want to help us tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance today please donate, become a member, volunteer or assist Antibiotic Research UK in any way you can.’

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