Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
VDEC responds strategically to AMR pathogens and new emerging threats (fungi, viruses, and bacteria), by determining the most appropriate research goals to combat these pathogens
Combatting antimicrobial resistance at VDEC
The Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC) facilitates the development and evaluation of new vaccines and therapeutics.
One area of VDEC’s expertise is antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Research at VDEC pursues the discovery, development and evaluation of novel antimicrobials (and vaccines for AMR) for a number of functions, including:
- to develop and evaluate improved diagnostics for AMR infections
- to prevent resistance from arising during treatment
- to combat or reverse existing drug resistance
- to reduce drug toxicity and reduce treatment times
- for multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections
- tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria and high-priority fungal pathogens and viruses with pandemic or AMR potential
Work with VDEC
We work with industry, academia and government. Contact UKHSA today to see how we can help you.
How VDEC supports AMR research
VDEC has established and rare capabilities for the discovery, development and evaluation of new therapeutics, including novel antimicrobial agents (small molecule, antibiotic resistance breakers, bacteriophage, antimicrobial peptides, immune modulators, microbiome modulators, biofilm disruptors and vaccines for AMR) which are urgently required to address the increasing challenges of AMR, across a wide range of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens.
Scientist evaluating novel antimicrobial agents
AMR and pathogen research at VDEC
Our AMR research is supported by working closely with other UKHSA and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) departments that capture guidance and intervention development for antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control and pharmacy.
Collectively we are contributing to national and international policy development, ensuring United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) commitments are met or exceeded.
The nature of the research we conduct depends on the pathogen in question, the current urgent need, and the appropriate course of action (diagnostics, vaccines, and/or therapeutics).
VDEC is a member of the Delivery Partner Network for the Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy (PACE) programme,
We are leading contributors to the DHSC National Action Plan for AMR and UKHSA’s commitments to this plan, with a focus on innovation for pandemic preparedness and priority pathogens.