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Fresenius Kabi helps raise awareness for the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance

AMR contributes to millions of deaths every year, as bacteria become resistant to medicines.

November 20, 2024

Antibiotics help people all over the world with infections caused by bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria evolve and no longer respond to antibiotics. When entering the environment, these bacteria can spread infections and turn common illnesses into life-threatening situations.

This global threat, largely driven by the overuse and improper use of antimicrobial agents, is a contributing factor in millions of deaths every year. During Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week and beyond, Fresenius Kabi is actively encouraging stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and the public to act today for a better tomorrow.

AMR Awareness Week is the global campaign from the World Health Organization to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage best practices. Through access, sustainable manufacturing, and appropriate use, and as part of the AMR Industry Alliance, Fresenius Kabi is continuously working to make a tangible difference for AMR.

“As a leading manufacturer of intravenously administered generic medicines, Fresenius Kabi continues to contribute significantly to the accessibility and affordability of essential antimicrobials,” said Minodora Westphal, Senior Manager Innovation Strategy, Fresenius Kabi. “By emphasizing the importance of conscious antibiotic use, we are helping to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the risk of resistance.”

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AMR - The Invisible Threat

In 2021

  • It is estimated there were 1.14 million deaths directly attributable to AMR 
  • A further 4.71 million deaths had AMR as a contributing factor

 

From 2025 to 2050

  • More than 39 million people will die from infections attributable to AMR
  • AMR could cause more deaths than cancer

 

Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01867-1/fulltext

Access: Availability, Collaboration and Communication

Providing access to antibiotics and ensuring their proper use helps to decrease the spread of bacteria and lowers the chance of antimicrobial resistance. However, one way antimicrobial resistance develops is when antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or when they are ineffective. This can result in resistant bacteria being passed into the environment and infections spreading. 

Fresenius Kabi provides access to 57 antibiotic treatments through a policy of sustainable production and use of generic antibiotics. We work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure antibiotics are used correctly. This work extends to collaborating with NGOs, industry associations, governments, and institutions to help improve access to antibiotics and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. 
 

Manufacturing: Keeping Antibiotics out of the Environment 

Fresenius Kabi adheres to the Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard, ensuring responsible production to minimize the ecological risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. We are implementing appropriate measures and controls for the discharge of wastewater at our respective sites, as we continuously work to mitigate the risks of antimicrobial resistance in the manufacturing process.  
 

Appropriate Use: Raising Awareness and Optimizing Treatments

To combat the threat of AMR, Fresenius Kabi advocates for healthcare professionals to enact behavioral changes within their own clinical practice and ensure the responsible use of antimicrobials.

It’s also imperative that patients follow the guidance of their healthcare professionals, to optimize treatment outcomes, reduce the spread of resistant bacteria, and preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. In general, everyone should maintain good hygiene practices and get the appropriate vaccinations to avoid infections.

“As a leading generics manufacturer, we are helping to provide greater access to antibiotics while advocating their correct use,” said David Jauch, Vice President Government Affairs and Policy, Fresenius. “It’s essential that patients are treated with the right antibiotic for the bacteria they have, because antibiotics don’t work against all infections, and overuse can increase the chance of bacteria becoming resistant.”