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Pipeline of new drugs to fight superbugs is ‘worryingly thin’, experts warn

UK’s GSK is leading the way in research but AstraZeneca is not involved in the area, report findsBusiness live – latest updatesThe pipeline of new drugs to fight superbugs remains “worryingly thin” and has shrunk by 35% in the last five years, experts have warned, predicting the annual number of deaths linked to drug-resistant infections globally will double to 8 million by 2050.The number of projects from large pharma companies has shrunk by 35% over the past five years, from 92 to 60 medicines in development, according to a report from the Access to Medicine Foundation (AMF), a Netherlands-based non-profit group, and the Wellcome Trust. Continue reading...

Mar 10, 2026 &03531010202631; 10:53 UTC www.theguardian.com Trending 2/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -65/100

High impact Long-term (months)

WHAT THIS MEANS

The pipeline for new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant superbugs has contracted by 35% over five years, with only 60 medicines in development versus 92 previously. This shortage poses significant public health risks, with projected deaths from antimicrobial resistance expected to double to 8 million annually by 2050, creating both regulatory pressure and long-term investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector.

AI CONFIDENCE

78% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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GSK

GSKStock

Expected to rise

GSK is leading antibiotic research efforts and positioned to benefit from increased focus and potential government incentives on superbug drug development

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AZN

AZNStock

Expected to decline

AstraZeneca notably absent from antimicrobial resistance pipeline, missing opportunity in high-priority therapeutic area with potential regulatory and reputational implications

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EU→.PA

EU→.PAIndex

High volatility expected

European pharma sector faces mixed signals: regulatory pressure to increase R&D in antibiotics versus declining industry investment in this low-margin therapeutic area

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Long GSK as the clear leader in addressing this critical gap with potential for premium valuations and government support; avoid AZN until it demonstrates commitment to antimicrobial resistance programs. Monitor for regulatory changes that could mandate or incentivize antibiotic development across the sector.

KEY SIGNALS

35% contraction in antibiotic drug pipeline over 5 yearsPublic health crisis driving regulatory scrutinyGSK leadership positioning in antimicrobial resistanceAstraZeneca's absence from critical therapeutic areaProjected 8 million annual deaths by 2050 from drug-resistant infectionsPotential for government incentives and accelerated approval pathways

SECTORS INVOLVED

PharmaceuticalsHealthcareBiotechnology

Analysis generated on Mar 11, 2026 at 03:16 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by The Guardian Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Pipeline of new drugs to fight superbugs is ‘worryingly thin’, experts warn

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