Antibiotic Research UK held their annual lecture at the Royal College of Pathologists on Thursday 21 October 2021.
Professor Colin Garner, Chief Executive of Antibiotic Research UK, was delighted to welcome attendees to what was many people’s first in-person lecture in almost two years. Talks ranged from the dire situation created by antibiotic resistance to moving stories by patients affected by resistant infections. The audience also heard high praise for the UK Government’s forward-thinking approach to reimbursing drug developers. Towards the end of the 2021 annual lecture, there was an inspiring summary of the way in which the charity is supporting patients.
In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, set the scene for the 2021 Annual Lecture, summarising the alarming figures on antibiotic resistance. With 700,000 deaths a year (globally) from resistant infections and projections of up to 10 million a year by 2050, the statistics make for worrying reading. Many nations are still wilfully blind to the issue due to the unpopularity of restricting access to antibiotics.
So who is the ‘one-eyed man’ that is King in this scenario? The UK, thanks to our world-leading approach to tackling antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic Research UK, now in its seventh year, was the world’s first charity focussing on this area. As discussed in more detail by Professor Outterson, the UK Government is also taking a completely novel approach to this issue, where many other nations are still discussing their options or denying the existence of a problem.
We need to go further, and faster, but we are already at the front of the pack. Kevin also highlighted how this problem is largely absent from the political agenda. He emphasised his dedication to doing everything in his power to ensure it gets the representation it deserves in Parliament.
Antibiotic Research UK’s new five-year vision
Simon Dukes, Chair Designate of Antibiotic Research UK’s board of Trustees, took to the stage to talk about the charity’s refined five-year vision. The vision gives direction and focus, while also increasing the scope to support for people affected by resistant infections. This is an exciting time for Antibiotic Research UK, and Simon put out a call for outstanding individuals to offer their time as a Trustee to help it move forward. Watch Simon’s video interview.
The new strategy focuses on evidence-based approaches to overcome the various challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. This means consulting with more than 700 individuals, including researchers, members of the public and Antibiotic Research UK’s supporters. Professor Colin Garner discussed this new strategy in detail, and thanked Costello Medical for their pro-bono support in creating an effective plan for progress across three areas. Watch Colin talk about the charity’s new strategy.
Small Research Grants
Colin then spoke of his pride in one of the charity’s key initiatives, the Small Research Grants programme. This pillar of its research into antibiotic resistance has grown year on year. It funds exciting new research into the basic biology and applied healthcare aspect of antibiotic resistance. With seven projects funded in the latest round of grants (to be announced soon) out of 31 promising applications, it’s a shining example of how much difference a charity can make in this area. Colin also announced a new initiative to fund a PhD studentship, kindly funded by a donor that wishes to remain anonymous. This studentship will help to attract bright new talent into the field.
Patient Support
Colin then spoke about the increased prioritisation of Patient Support within the charity’s strategy. A relatively new aspect of the charity’s work, the Patient Support Service has gone from strength to strength. More than 1 million people have visited the website looking for information and answers to their questions about antibiotic resistance. This branch of work vitally important to people affected by resistant infections. It also appeals to funders due to the visible impact it has on people’s lives.
Education and awareness
Raising awareness about the risks and impact of drug-resistant infections is vital for this issue to achieve the status it needs. One of the key features that supporters want to see from the charity is more information about antibiotic resistance, and some of the charity’s key achievements are in this area. These include the trusted resources available as webpages, Ask ANTRUK questions and an upcoming set of leaflets for various audiences.
Keynote: a smarter way to buy antimicrobial drugs
Professor Kevin Outterson, Executive Director of the CARB-X initiative talked about his own personal experiences of family members saved by antibiotics. Antibiotics are vital for civilisation as we know it. He talked about the importance of innovative research, and how that can only happen if it is incentivised. He himself recalls his first research opportunity being afforded due to a research grant, much like those that Colin spoke about. Now, through CARB-X, he is in a position to oversee the allocation of more than $500 million in funding.
The problem
So why is antibiotic resistance such a huge problem? Why are pharmaceutical companies not working night and day to produce the next generation of antibiotic treatments? Well, it’s just not a commercially viable venture due to the current means of reimbursement. Pay-per-pill options don’t work for these drugs as we want to reduce their use, unlike cancer or diabetes drugs, for which resistance is not an issue.
The solution
But Kevin’s talk changed in tone when discussing the UK’s new ‘Netflix-like’ subscription payment model, which will be trialled for two new antibiotic treatments. This approach means that, like the popular TV and film streaming service, the provider gets paid the same regardless of how much of their product is consumed. Find out more about how this will work.
It’s a completely new and exciting approach that incentivises companies to develop new antibiotics. The UK should be commended for this first-in-the-world approach that other countries are merely talking about.
In summary, Kevin shared his thoughts that “No one is safe until everyone is safe”. We need to develop and test new drugs, pay pharmaceutical companies for this work and take great care of any new treatments that they produce. We can only tackle this threat by working together.
Watch Kevin’s talk and a video interview recorded at the annual lecture.
Antibiotic Research UK’s Patient Support Service with Arlene Brailey
Arlene talked about the challenges the Patient Support Service has faced during the pandemic. She highlighted the emotional, mental and social impact that people with antibiotic-resistant infections often face alongside their physical symptoms.
COVID-19 has caused several Patient Support Services to jump in popularity. Ask ANTRUK was inundated with requests for bespoke answers to questions about vaccines, viruses and antibiotics.
Arlene outlined the work the Patient Support Service does alongside answering emails and calls from people concerned about infections. Patient advocacy, including talks, articles, leaflets and videos have been a key part of their work this year. Patient stories have been a key way to help the charity tell their story.
Arlene also welcomed Jade and Sadaf as Assistant Patient Support Officers, and introduced Saeshen, the charity’s student intern. You can watch Sadaf’s video interview about her role or Arlene’s talk about Patient Support.
Fundraising for Antibiotic Research UK during a pandemic; Alison Staples
Alison, Head of Fundraising at Antibiotic Research UK, extended a huge thank you to the charity’s supporters. The last 18 months have been challenging, with hardly any face-to-face fundraising and many people facing very tough times. The money received quite literally helps people and saves lives.
A real highlight was the charity’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal with Dr Adam Rutherford. He spoke about his personal experience of having a secondary bacterial infection while ill with COVID-19. The appeal raised £57,000 in total and helped raise the charity’s profile immeasurably.
Alison encouraged everyone to do something for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week this November (18 – 24). The charity’s five-year plan is ambitious, but it’s also vital; you can ask for a fundraising pack for lots of ideas of how you can help.
Watch the whole talk to get a taste of some of the fantastic support received over the past year and some of the events and initiatives that are still to come.
Closing remarks
Professor Colin Garner said: “The annual lecture is a fantastic opportunity to gather influential industry leaders, members of parliament, patients and our committed supporters to discuss proactive solutions that we can all make in order to reach our goal of a world free from deaths caused by drug-resistant infections. It was really great to be able to meet in person once again and I would like to thank all of our speakers and attendees, as well as our sponsor Pfizer for making the event such a success.” Watch Colin’s closing remarks.