Creating an organization to accelerate R&D for drug-resistant infections

Antimicrobial resistance

Creating an organization to accelerate R&D for drug-resistant infections

Together with the World Health Organization (WHO), we launched the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) in 2016.

GARDP is a not-for-profit organization that develops new treatments to fight drug-resistant infections that pose the greatest threat to health, while working to ensure responsible use and sustainable access.

In 2019, GARDP became an independent legal entity, following a successful incubation by DNDi, during which time we provided GARDP’s initial governance, scientific environment, and infrastructure, as well as support for resource mobilization, communication, finance, and human resources.

Both organizations continue to share R&D expertise and capacity (including discovery, pharmaceutical development, translational science, pharmacovigilance, and quality assurance); access to an international network, as in-country implementation of GARDP’s programmes is supported by DNDi regional offices and through a joint office in Southern Africa; and a common approach on global health policy for promoting and contributing to public health needs-driven R&D and access.

‘We’re proud to have provided the environment to enable GARDP to kickstart its mission to deliver antimicrobial research for patients. We look forward to a strong collaboration in sharing resources and knowledge with GARDP in the future, for the ultimate benefit of the populations served by GARDP and DNDi.’

Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, DNDi Board Chair

Antibiotic-resistant infections cause nearly 1.3 million deaths each year

Antibiotics have saved millions of lives and radically improved our well-being, but they have been used so extensively that many are losing their ability to overcome bacteria.

GARDP develops and makes accessible antibiotic treatments to address the threat of drug-resistant infections.

GARDP’s key priorities

Developing antibiotic treatments for serious bacterial infections and sepsis in adults and children, as well as sexually transmitted infections. GARDP also screens thousands of compounds and natural products to discover the antibiotics of the future.
Expanding antibiotic access, including SECURE. GARDP is expanding access to antibiotics in its portfolio for appropriate use. It also developing SECURE, a collaborative initiative to improve access to essential novel and generic antibiotics.
Advancing antimicrobial R&D through education and collaboration on scientific affairs, including the online platform REVIVE.

Learn more about GARDP’s work

Incubation by DNDi

2019

GARDP completed a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety of the drug fosfomycin to treat newborns with sepsis and rolled out one of the largest studies to date on the care of newborns with bloodstream infections. More information about GARDP’s Children’s antibiotics programme
As part of its partnership with biotech Entasis Therapeutics, GARDP launched a global Phase III trial for zoliflodacin, a new treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhoea.
GARDP introduced a new programme to develop treatments for serious bacterial infections for hospitalized adults, focusing on treatments for bacteria identified by the WHO as a ‘critical priority’ and among the greatest threats to health.
GARDP launches new business plan for 2020-2025 and announces its‘5 BY 25’ goal to deliver five new treatments by 2025 to tackle drug-resistant infections that pose the greatest threat to global health.
GARDP became an independent legal entity following a successful three-year incubation hosted by DNDi

2018

GARDP started the first of its clinical trials: a clinical trial in Kenya confirming the dose and safety of fosfomycin to treat neonatal sepsis.
GARDP completed phase 1 pharmacokinetic and safety study on zoliflodacin to treat drug-resistant gonorrhoea, allowing appropriate dose selection for the pivotal phase 3 trial.
Over 80 researchers from 11 countries gathered in New Delhi to kick-off a global observational study for newborns with sepsis. Data generated from the study will be used to evaluate future interventions for this vulnerable population.
Several new public and private partnerships were formed, including with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Eisai, Sandoz (the Novartis generics division), and the University of Liverpool.

2017

By early 2017, GARDP had secured EUR 6.5 million in seed funding, facilitated 11 expert meetings in six countries on specific disease areas, regional issues, project reviews, and sustainable access; and built a team of 17 people by the end of the year.
In May, a Scientific Advisory Committee of experts in various disciplines within infectious diseases and microbiology was set up.
With their expert review and DNDi’s Board of Directors’ approval, GARDP launched four programmes: neonatal sepsis; sexually transmitted infections; antimicrobial memory recovery, evaluation and exploratory research; and paediatric antibiotics.
In July, GARDP signed its first partnering deal with Entasis Therapeutics to develop a new treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhoea.
In September, the German government hosted a pledging event for GARDP, a number of countries and foundations pledged more than EUR 56 million to GARDP.

2016

GARDP was launched in May 2016.
GARDP received seed funding and pledges from the governments of Germany, Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom as well as from the medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF).