The Hill: Discovery of new superbug gene underscores the need for Congress to act now
Johan Bakken, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

“…[A]ntibiotic research and development (R&D) continues to lag behind existing patient needs and upcoming threats. Fortunately, Congress can help combat the threat of these deadly infections, but we must act now. First, Congress can pass funding legislation that provides the increases requested by the president for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). … Second, Congress can provide urgently needed new incentives to stimulate the development of antibiotics to treat superbugs. … Lastly, Congress can address the regulatory barriers to antibiotic R&D…” (11/27).