The article discusses the urgent issue of antibiotic resistance (AMR) and its impact on public health. Here are the main points:

Key statistics:

• There are currently over 20 "highly innovative" antibiotics in early stages of development globally.
• However, if business models don't change, there will be less than 10 such antibodies within four years and less than five by eight years.
• Research is concentrated in underfinanced biotech startups with less than a year's worth of funding.

Challenges facing antibiotic development:

• Lack of interest from private investors in the antibacterial field due to its complexity.
• Broken business model that doesn't provide market incentives for investing in new, pathogen-resistant antibiotics.
• Need for "pull" incentives to attract investment and encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop new antipseptococcal drugs.

New developments:

• The UK has launched a subscription model for antimicrobial drugs held in "reserve" for drug-resistant pathogens.
• Other countries, such as Italy and Canada, are also considering similar schemes.
• Japan has already made good moves towards introducing pull incentives.

Optimism ahead of Saudi Arabia meeting:

• CARB-X's Kevin Outterson is cautiously optimistic about solving the problem, saying that there is a real thirst for momentum going into the upcoming UN meeting in Saudi Arabia.
• David Reddy from IFPMA notes that while financing is essential, access to community needs on the ground is also crucial.

Need for a common understanding:

• A need for a "common language" and shared understanding of where we need to go with AMR to make progress.

What's needed:

• Innovation-driven business model that provides market incentives.
• Access to local knowledge and needs on the ground.
• Collaboration from governments, pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and other stakeholders.