Innovative Model Advances Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance (AMR)

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, worsened  by the lack of new antibiotics. Since 2008, only two systemic antibiotic agents have been approved, a notable contrast to the 16 approved between 1983 and 1987. This decline is attributed to the exhaustion of easily discoverable antibiotics, poor return on investment, and the complex, costly approval process for new drugs.

In this challenging landscape, the hollow fiber infection model (HFIM) emerges as a promising development. This innovative in vitro system offers a closed, bio-safe environment that allows for the precise simulation of human pharmacokinetics (what a drug does to the body) and pharmacodynamics (what a body does to the drug) (PK/PD). Unlike traditional static methods, the hollow fiber model enables dynamic control over drug concentration and exposure time, closely mimicking in vivo conditions.

The model’s design allows for repetitive sampling over time, providing detailed insights into both drug and organism interactions. It can test large numbers of organisms, making it possible to reveal mechanisms of resistance that might otherwise go unnoticed. This capability is crucial for optimizing antibiotic dosing regimens to prevent resistance development.

Moreover, the HIFM supports the testing of two-drug combinations, allowing researchers to explore synergistic effects and potential new treatment strategies. It can model both dosing and elimination curves, offering a comprehensive view of drug efficacy across different bacterial growth phases and in combination with cells for antiviral PK/PD studies.

As the fight against antibiotic resistance intensifies, the HFIM stands out as a powerful tool for advancing our understanding of drug interactions and resistance mechanisms. Its ability to simulate human-like conditions in a controlled, reproducible manner makes it an invaluable asset in the development of new antibiotics and treatment protocols.

Click here to download our article on The Hollow Fiber Infection Model for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics.