Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – the ability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobial treatments, especially antibiotics – has a direct impact on the health of people and animals. In the European Union (EU) alone, it is responsible for an estimated 33,000* deaths per year. Its effects are also felt on a financial level worldwide, with AMR estimated to cost the EU €1.5 billion per year in healthcare costs and productivity losses.
Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are on the rise after years of overprescribing antibiotics.
If left unchecked, the scale of antimicrobial resistance will quickly outpace what we have experienced with COVID-19, with deaths rising to 10 million per year by 2050, according to the United Nations.
Urgent action and innovation is needed to avert a wave of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Calix is using its patented technology to develop bioactive materials that could help reduce our reliance on antibiotics and make a crucial contribution to getting ahead of the next pandemic. Calix is a Tier 1 partner in the CRC SAAFE, an Australian Government initiative that aims to tackle AMR by recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.
SAAFE provides the means for Calix to fully exploit its core Biotech capabilities in agriculture, food safety and the environment more broadly. We anticipate that the collaboration with agricultural producers, industry partners and research groups will lead to rigorous programs targeting urgent industry needs.
SAAFE also complements a $1m Australian Government Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) grant to Calix in 2021, which is helping to develop and transform our Biotech manufacturing and research capability at Bacchus Marsh in Victoria.
References:
First study by the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance
https://health.ec.europa.eu/antimicrobial-resistance/eu-action-antimicrobial-resistance_en
“We are excited to be a Tier 1 partner in the CRC SAAFE and welcome this funding announcement from the Australian Government. It will provide opportunities for Calix to grow our expertise and networks with Australian Universities and research groups, agricultural producers, water authorities and regulatory authorities. We congratulate the CRC bid team and all partners.”
Calix Managing Director, Phil Hodgson
Calix Bioactive Materials:
- Bioactivity: suppression of pathogenic microorganisms
- Low resistance development potential
- Non-lethal mode of action
- Synergistic with existing actives
CRC SAAFE
The Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments
https://www.crcsaafe.com.au/about
AMR is driven not only by the widespread use of antimicrobials for protecting human, animal and plant health, but also by the use of some industrial chemicals and even household cleaning products. Australia’s agribusiness, food and environmental sectors are at risk of AMR. But they are also best placed to bring about solutions.
