The FDA launched a new website Wednesday aimed at improving access to timely information about bacteria and fungi susceptibility to drugs, to help healthcare professionals make appropriate choices when prescribing antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
Mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act, the website is part of an effort to combat the rising number of antibiotic resistant infections.
"Antimicrobial resistance remains one of our most pressing public health challenges. While we’re continuing our policy efforts to encourage the development of new drugs and limit the use of antibiotics in livestock, we also need to take new steps to encourage more appropriate use of these treatments in patient care," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.
Bacteria and fungi mutate over time, which may result in decreased susceptibility to some antibacterial or antifungal drugs. The website will be a resource that provides timely, direct access to information about which drugs are most likely to work on a specific bacterial or fungal infection.