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Antibiotics
Antibiotics are one of the greatest success stories in modern medicine. Although we associate them with treating acute infections, these drugs underpin much of health care—from routine surgical procedures to organ transplants and cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the history of antibiotics is a race between innovation and resistance. As innovative science furnishes novel drugs, bacterial evolution can quickly render them ineffective.

Pew addresses the growing public health challenge of multidrug-resistant infections by supporting policies that encourage the development of antibiotics to treat life-threatening illnesses and that preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics by ensuring that they are used appropriately.

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Topics
Antibiotics Biomedical Research Health Care
Experts
Kathy Talkington Lilly Kan David Hyun, M.D. Rachel Zetts

Latest Research

Shot of a doctor examining a woman’s throat during a consultation

Fact Sheet

January 27, 2023 Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing Comes With Risks
African American doctor with face mask examining boy's throat during a home visit.

Fact Sheet

May 26, 2022 Antibiotic Prescribing for Children Leads to Increased Complications
healthcare health care hospital medicine medicare gurney doctor patient costs hall wing wellness

Issue Brief

October 7, 2021 Federal Action to Address Antibiotic Resistance
Data Visualization July 19, 2023

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria is a Growing Threat, 2023

Where superbugs come from and what can be done to combat them
Quick View
Data Visualization July 19, 2023

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose an urgent and growing public health threat. Common bacteria, such as those that cause urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Without effective antibiotics, even simple infections could become deadly, making medical procedures like surgery, chemotherapy, and dialysis too dangerous.

Our Work
Related Experts
Kathy Talkington Director
Health Programs
Lilly Kan
Lilly Kan Project Director
Public Health Data Improvement
David Hyun, M.D. Project Director
Antibiotic Resistance Project
Rachel Zetts Senior Officer
Antibiotic Resistance Project

Related Projects

Public Health Data Improvement

State and local public health officials need timely, comprehensive health data from hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinical labs to detect and respond to disease hot spots, contaminated food and water, and populations experiencing inequitable...

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Biomedical Research

Since 1985, Pew has supported the groundbreaking research of promising early-career biomedical scientists in the United States and Latin America. Our multiyear grants encourage informed risk-taking and collaboration among researchers. Biomedical...

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Antibiotic Resistance Project

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose an urgent and growing public health threat. The more we use existing antibiotics, the less effective these life-saving drugs become. Pew supports policies and research that spur the creation of new antibiotics to...

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