Newly introduced legislation provides pathway to spur antimicrobial development

PASTEUR Act would ensure we have the drugs needed to save lives 

Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Mike Levin (D-CA) and Mike Carey (R-OH) have reintroduced the bipartisan Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and help ensure continued access to safe, effective antibiotics and antifungals.  

The updated bill includes key improvements designed to strengthen bipartisan support and momentum in Congress, including a more objective and rigorous process for determining which drugs qualify for federal contracts to ensure the bill delivers the most clinically meaningful new treatments, as well as expanded antimicrobial stewardship provisions that now include outpatient settings. 

PASTEUR would revitalize the antibiotic and antifungal pipeline by changing how the federal government pays for novel antimicrobials — shifting from payment based on how much of a drug is sold to payment based on the value it provides to patients and the health care system. Under PASTEUR, the federal government could enter into subscription-style contracts with pharmaceutical companies, providing fixed annual payments for access to critically needed antimicrobials, regardless of how often they are used. Payments would be tied to a drug’s impact in three areas: major contributions to patient care, innovation, and benefit to health systems and public health.   

“Antimicrobial resistance is already costing patients their lives and threatens our ability to provide the modern medical care we all depend on,” said IDSA President Ronald G. Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA. “Common medical procedures such as cancer chemotherapy, organ transplants, cesarean sections, hip and knee replacements and newer treatments that weaken the immune system all carry a risk of serious infection. As our arsenal of antimicrobials continues to shrink, we are increasingly struggling to treat these infections and safely provide this care. The PASTEUR Act addresses many of the root causes behind the lack of antimicrobial development.”  

The legislation also strengthens antimicrobial stewardship efforts by establishing a grant program to support antimicrobial stewardship programs in rural, critical access and safety net hospitals and long-term care facilities. Recognizing that a significant share of antibiotic use occurs outside hospitals, PASTEUR also includes a pilot program with funding to support outpatient stewardship. 

“IDSA and health organizations worldwide have long warned about the dangers of rising antimicrobial resistance,” said Dr. Nahass. “IDSA looks forward to working with Congress to advance this lifesaving legislation.”  

About IDSA 

The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity’s smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.