Briefing March 1: Innovation and the Fight Against Superbugs

Federal agencies to discuss their work combating antibiotic resistance—and why funding such efforts is crucial

Innovation and the Fight Against Superbugs
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On March 1, The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Infectious Diseases Society of America will co-sponsor a briefing on “Innovation and the Fight Against Superbugs.” The event aims to inform congressional staff about efforts to combat antibiotic resistance by key federal agencies, as well as their successes and challenges in advancing antibiotic innovation and stewardship.

Featured panelists include staff from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, supermoms against superbugs advocates Valerie and Justin Oas will honor the memory of their family member Brianna Strand, who recently succumbed to an antibiotic-resistant infection related to her lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. The panel discussion will be moderated by Pew’s senior director for health programs, Allan Coukell, and the audience will have the opportunity to pose questions.

Speakers

Paul Auwaerter, president, Infectious Diseases Society of America; clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (welcoming remarks)

Gary Disbrow, acting director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

Allan Coukell, senior director for health programs at The Pew Charitable Trusts (moderator)

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Sonny Ramaswamy, director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Anne Schuchat, acting director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention