Antimicrobial resistance | Nature Outlook (original) (raw)

Pathogens are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Scientists are working to slow the process and replenish the medicinal armoury.

Antimicrobial resistance

Pathogens are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Scientists are working to slow the process and replenish the medicinal armoury.

Death by paper cut. The consequences of unfettered antimicrobial resistance are as absurd as they are sinister. Harmful bacteria and other pathogens are rapidly developing countermeasures to the world’s antibiotic arsenal, and eroding physician’s ability to treat infections. Unless resistance can be slowed, and drugs brought in to replace those that no longer work, microorganisms that are a minor inconvenience today could be killers tomorrow.

That’s not much fun to read. But lest you become overwhelmed by the existential dread of such backsliding, here’s a kernel of hope: antimicrobial resistance is a biomedical problem that individuals can do something about. It’s not even a big ask. To paraphrase the microbiologist Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, in his 1945 Nobel prize lecture: when you take antibiotics, take enough.

PARTNER FEATURE

The supporting organization retains sole responsibility for the content of the following article.

More from Nature Outlook

Research and reviews

Curated from the Nature Portfolio journals.

Nature is pleased to acknowledge financial support from Meiji Seika Pharma in producing this Outlook. Nature maintains full independence in all editorial decisions related to the content. About this content.

The supporting organization retains sole responsibility for the following message:

Meiji Seika Pharma is a Japan-based pharmaceutical company with a long-standing record in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of antibacterial agents. Since initiating penicillin production in 1946, the company has maintained sustained engagement across the antibacterial life cycle and has introduced clinically important antibacterials that address key scientific and clinical challenges.

Amid the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Meiji Seika Pharma is advancing a pipeline of novel antibacterials, including agents targeting resistant pathogens, to expand therapeutic options and support patient care. In parallel, the company ensures the reliable supply of established antibacterials that remain essential in routine clinical practice.

In the infectious-disease field, the company is also progressing vaccine research and development. Current programs include vaccines for dengue and mpox, as well as the exploration of new vaccine platforms to address emerging and re-emerging infectious threats.

Leveraging capabilities spanning discovery, clinical development, and manufacturing, Meiji Seika Pharma aims to deliver innovative antibacterials and vaccines globally, contributing to public-health resilience, improving access to essential interventions, and strengthening health security in collaboration with healthcare stakeholders worldwide.

Editorial Herb Brody, Richard Hodson, Joanna Beckett, Anna Callender, Emily Flynn, Joanna Franklin, Anne Haggart, Richard Lim, Jenny McCarthy, Francisca Schultz

Art & design Mohamed Ashour, Madeline Hutchinson, James Bayliss

Production Nick Bruni, Simon Fenwick, Khuram Rashid

Sponsorship Yosuke Sato, Momo Fasuyi, Yoshiko Sugita

Marketing Aiko Shuzui

Project manager Momo Fasuyi