Target product profiles for new antibacterial agents

The World Health Organization (WHO) report presents Target Product Profiles (TPPs) to guide the development of new antibiotics targeting some of the most urgent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threats. The profiles focus on treatments for severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive infections in immunocompromised or critically ill patients, and bacterial meningitis.

The TPPs describe the preferred characteristics of future antibiotics—such as effectiveness, safety, pharmacokinetics, route of administration, stability, and affordability—to help researchers and companies design products that meet major public-health needs.

Aligned with the WHO 2024 bacterial priority pathogens list, the report prioritizes infections with the highest global burden and emphasizes the needs of low- and middle-income countries. It also highlights the importance of integrating access, stewardship, and regulatory considerations early in development, and calls for stronger public-private partnerships to stimulate antibiotic innovation and ensure equitable access to new treatments.