STAT+: Large drugmakers are developing fewer antibiotics, analysis finds

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Source: STAT News

Original: https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/10/drugmakers-develop-fewer-antibiotics-antimic...

Published: Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The number of potential antimicrobial therapies developed by the world's biggest drugmakers has increased by 35% over the past five years, according to a new analysis. However, the big drug manufacturers are developing fewer antibiotics. The analysis confirms this based on the data on their development. These findings point to trends in the pharmaceutical industry. The study evaluates antimicrobial therapies as a broader category including antibiotics. The number of therapies from the largest companies is growing despite the decline in interest in antibiotics. The analysis highlights changes in the priorities of major manufacturers.