Newly introduced legislation would revitalize antimicrobial development, support stewardship

Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Todd Young (R-IN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) have reintroduced the bipartisan Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, invigorate the research and development of novel antimicrobials and invest in antimicrobial stewardship.  

The updated bill includes key improvements designed to strengthen the bill’s ability to deliver the new antimicrobials patients most need, expand support for stewardship programs and increase bipartisan support and momentum in Congress. These changes include a more objective and rigorous process for determining which drugs qualify for federal contracts and funding to implement stewardship in outpatient settings, building off the bill’s longstanding provision to support stewardship in rural, safety net, and critical access hospitals and long-term care facilities. 

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 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.   

Given the major threat that AMR poses to human health and the urgent need for new antimicrobials to enable the safe provision of cancer chemotherapy, organ transplants and other surgeries and complex care, IDSA worked closely with the sponsors and partner organizations to develop the PASTEUR Act and will continue advocating for its passage in Congress to ensure the availability and effectiveness of the novel antimicrobials patients need.

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.