Living in a bacterial world

Madonna was hospitalized with a “serious bacterial infection”—the kind of headline we could see more frequently if we don’t develop new antimicrobials. Here’s what we know, plus a look at a recent report on the life sciences workforce and job market. (507 words, 2 minutes, 32 seconds)

Living in a bacterial world

And even VIPs won’t be immune to the impact if we don’t develop new antimicrobials.

The news: Madonna was reportedly admitted to the ICU for several days after developing a “serious bacterial infection,” according to The New York Times. She’s expected to fully recover, though she’s postponing her upcoming tour.

Why it matters: Serious bacterial infections are on the rise due to antimicrobial resistance, which was linked to 5 million deaths worldwide in 2019 alone and costs the U.S. $55 billion each year. 

If we don’t address AMR, superbugs could take 10 million lives a year by 2050—more than cancer. Yet, in 2020, oncology companies raised almost $7 billion, while antibiotic research groups raised only $160 million.

“We need to be scared,”said one expert at the BIO International Convention—and we need to pass legislation like The PASTEUR Act, which would help address problems in the antimicrobials market.

Some better news: Pfizer just announced positive results from a Phase 3 study of a novel investigational antibiotic combination for use against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given fast-track designation to GSK’s gonorrhea vaccine in development, which could help address the growing number of drug-resistant infections.

More Health News:

First Wave BioPharma: First Wave BioPharma strengthens intellectual property estate
First Wave BioPharma “announced the publication of two patent applications for composition of matter and methods of use claims governing the Company’s enhanced enteric microgranule delivery formulation of adrulipase. The two applications were published by both the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the International Bureau of the World International Patent Organization (WIPO).”

Life sciences sector sees significant job growth, report finds

Although macroeconomic trends have negatively affected other sectors, life sciences remains vibrant with significant job growth, finds a recent report.

The report: The 2023 Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report, published by the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI) in partnership with TEConomy Partners, is an analysis of 2.8 million job posts from life sciences companies over the past four years, as well as a national survey of 700 companies and interviews with 185 executives.

The key finding: From 2019-2022, employment in the U.S. life sciences industry grew 10.4%, while employment in the private sector as a whole decreased 0.2%.

An increasingly open sector: Life sciences have seen increased openness to applicants without four-year degrees and developed pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs to enhance recruitment.

A focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion: 97% of companies surveyed view support and advancement of DEI as a strategic priority.

What they’re saying: “Our organization has focused a lot more on DEI in 2022 and 2023 than it ever has before. And it’s not just from the need that the market brings, but our employees have really asked that we focus on it, which is wonderful,” said one executive.

Read more at Bio.News.

President Biden’s Thursday: Traveling to New York, where he’ll appear on MSNBC for a live interview at 4 PM ET then attend campaign receptions.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: The House and Senate are in recess through July 7.