Superbugs, govt subsidies draw big pharma back to antibiotics

Sydney

BIG pharma is creeping back into development of new antibiotics after decades of largely ignoring the business due to the scant rewards offered by such medications.

With the planet on the brink of losing its miracle cures for bacterial diseases, research incentives from governments are spurring drugmakers to renew efforts to fight antimicrobial resistance and replenish the arsenal of infection-fighting drugs. Giants such as Roche Holding AG and Merck & Co are stepping up their efforts in the field while a host of startups seek partners to help market new products.

"Some large pharmaceutical companies are re-entering the space, and new companies focused on antibacterial development are emerging as industry darlings," said Ankit Mahadevia, chief executive officer of Sper…