Some in Europe are mulling a scientific pivot to India and even China. Others argue the EU has no choice but to follow Washington

Phages that kill bacteria are seen as a possible solution to the waning power of antibiotics. But research funding is lacking and existing routes to approval and commercialisation are not suitable for these therapies, say UK MPs

A new analysis shows the US, China, UK, India and Australia all publish more papers on this pressing global health threat than any EU member state. More investment in novel therapies is needed, the report says

Phages are viruses that destroy bacteria and have the potential to supplement waning antibiotics. But researchers and entrepreneurs say the regulatory and funding environment is far from clear

Low profitability of antibiotics means fight against drug resistance relies on a handful of companies

Investment in later stage clinical development is needed to back up recent improvements in the discovery of new antibiotics, and to ensure the use of novel products is managed to maintain their effectiveness  

As member states push for a new research partnership on antimicrobial resistance, EU auditors say efforts to date have failed to reduce the threat to human health