Overview: What the European study found
During World AMR Awareness Week, an independent European study presented by Viatris and Medicines for Europe sheds light on a complex trend impacting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) treatment: prices are falling, costs are rising, and shortages are increasingly common. The report synthesizes data from multiple European markets, comparing recent price movements with procurement costs, supply chain dynamics, and access to essential antibiotics and supportive therapies. While lower prices might suggest wider affordability, the accompanying rise in costs and frequent shortages raise concerns about sustainable access, public health, and the long-term effectiveness of AMR management strategies.
Why prices are falling
The study notes multiple drivers behind the price declines observed across several European countries. Competitive tendering in public and private sectors, generic entry for older antibiotics, and price regulation mechanisms have contributed to lower unit costs. In some cases, faster market entry of biosimilars and generics has intensified price competition, delivering immediate relief for healthcare systems facing budget pressures. However, analysts caution that repeatedly falling prices can limit incentives for innovation and investment in novel therapies essential to staying ahead of evolving resistance patterns.
Rising costs: a paradox for access
Even as nominal prices drop, several cost dimensions are rising. The study identifies increased prices for auxiliary products such as diagnostic tests, stewardship programs, and hospital-administered therapies that are essential for appropriate antimicrobial use. Supply chain disruptions, intensified demand during seasonal outbreaks, and higher raw material costs feed into procurement expenditures at hospital and national levels. Additionally, administrative and logistical costs—inventory management, regulatory compliance, and secure cold-chain storage—exert pressure on healthcare budgets. The net effect: while unit prices may appear cheaper, the total cost of care for infections requiring AMR-sensitive regimens can climb.
Shortages and access concerns
Shortages of key antibiotics and related medicines have become a notable feature in several European markets. Contributing factors include manufacturing shifts, quality control delays, and global supply constraints that echo beyond Europe. The study emphasizes that shortages undermine timely access to therapy, potentially worsening patient outcomes and accelerating resistance if suboptimal alternatives are used. Hospitals report higher utilization of reserve antibiotics and longer stocking times, complicating clinical decision-making and antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
Implications for policy and practice
Health policymakers, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders should view these findings as a call to balance affordability with sustainable access and innovation. Key recommendations from the study include:
– Strengthening supply chain resilience through diversified manufacturing bases and strategic stockpiling.
– Supporting responsible pricing models that reward new, effective antimicrobials while ensuring access to essential generics.
– Expanding diagnostics and stewardship programs to maximize the value of existing therapies and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
– Fostering collaboration across EU member states to monitor shortages in real time and coordinate procurement approaches.
What this means for World AMR Awareness Week
World AMR Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the practical realities of combating resistance. The Viatris and Medicines for Europe presentation reinforces the message that global awareness must translate into concrete actions: resilient supply chains, prudent use of antimicrobials, and sustained investment in research and development. The study’s findings emphasize that defeating AMR requires a steady, evidence-based approach that addresses not just prices, but the full spectrum of costs, access, and treatment effectiveness.
Conclusion
The European study’s nuanced findings—declining prices, rising total costs, and persistent shortages—paint a complex picture for AMR management. Stakeholders are urged to implement multifaceted strategies that maintain affordability while preserving access to high-quality therapies and preserving the incentives needed to innovate future solutions in antimicrobial resistance.
