The Conversation: Scientists alone can’t solve the antibiotic resistance crisis — we need economists too
Laurence Roope, senior researcher for health economics at the University of Oxford; Richard Smith, professor of health economics and deputy pro vice chancellor at the University of Exeter; and Sarah Wordsworth, associate professor of health economics at the University of Oxford

“…[S]cience alone cannot solve the antibiotic resistance crisis. … [D]eveloping new antibiotics is not just a scientific problem. Without the right incentives, pharmaceutical companies will not try to develop the new drugs that we need. A range of economic measures can help tackle the unnecessary use of antibiotics while stimulating the development of new antibiotics. … Balancing the need to reduce antibiotic use with expanding essential access is difficult but important. If the cost of antibiotics increases, through taxation or quotas, it will be vital to develop ways to reduce the risk that these drugs will only be taken by people who can afford them” (5/15).