World Drug makers call for action on Superbugs

Drug makers from across the world has called governments and industries to join forces in order to battle the fast-rising threat of antibiotic resistant superbugs.

This declaration was signed by 83 companies and eight industry associations from 16 countries, as they urged the government around the world to support the investment in the development of antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostics and other products to prevent and treat drug-resistant infections.

The appeal which was released during an elite annual gathering of billionaires and political leaders in the Swiss ski resort of Davos addressed their deepening concern over the rise of superbugs.

Heavyweights which included Swiss groups Novartis and Roche and Pfizer and Merck & Co., the US pharmaceutical manufacturers signed this declaration and also called for governments to ensure the pricing of antibiotics where appropriate.

In order to encourage the appropriate use of antibiotics, the companies are committed to do more to reduce the risk of bugs developing drug resistance.

Jim O’Neil, chairman of a British review of the threat, commissioned by Prime Minister David Cameron said that the declaration from the industry is a major step forward in establishing a properly global response to the challenges of drug resistance.