Antimicrobial Resistance: Addressing a Clinical Problem and Exploring Therapeutic Solutions

Presented by Professor Juan Pablo Horcajada, MD, PhD

Bio: Chief of the Department of Infectious Diseases, and Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobials Research Coordinator at Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain. Professor of Medicine at University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona. His field of research is about optimising the use of antibiotics, applying PK/PD principles, and performing clinical trials and studies for the treatment of infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa. He has published more than 300 scientific articles (H index 57), and has led several competitive research projects and doctoral thesis. He participates in several international clinical trials with antimicrobials. Spanish Delegate and Member of the Steering Committee of the European Committee for Infection Control (EUCIC) of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). Infectious Diseases Scientific advisor at the European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Overview: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant clinical problem worldwide, necessitating effective therapeutic approaches. Optimizing antimicrobial therapy is crucial in managing AMR. Applying pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) principles allows tailoring treatment regimens to individual patients. This approach ensures the appropriate selection of drugs, dosages, and treatment durations, preserving the efficacy of antibiotics while minimizing resistance development. Optimizing antimicrobial therapy is part of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs, which promote responsible antimicrobial use through education, guidelines, and monitoring. Additionally, efforts must focus on the development of new therapies and the implementation of innovative approaches. By combining these strategies, clinicians and researchers can effectively combat AMR, ensuring the continued effectiveness of antimicrobial agents for patient care.