ANSM Publishes Comprehensive Overview on Antibiotic Consumption and Resistance

In alignment with World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, the French National Security Agency of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) released a detailed report on November 18, 2024, focusing on antibiotic consumption and resistance. This initiative is part of the “Prevention and Reduction of Antibiotic Resistance, Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance” interministerial roadmap for 2024–2034, addressing the challenge from a One Health perspective that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Key Insights from the Report

• Human Health:
  Antibiotic consumption in France decreased in 2023, continuing a downward trend seen before the pandemic. However, certain age groups, particularly those aged 5–14 and individuals over 65, showed an increase in prescriptions.
  • France remains among the highest antibiotic consumers in Europe.
  • Resistance to critical antibiotics, such as 3rd generation cephalosporins (C3G) and fluoroquinolones, was observed more frequently in healthcare facilities and nursing homes than in the general community.
• Animal Health:
  Between 2013 and 2023, overall exposure to antibiotics in animals decreased by 41%.
  • Cats and dogs exhibited the highest levels of exposure.
  • Efforts to optimize antibiotic use in veterinary medicine have been strengthened through international collaborations like the Enovat project.
• Environmental Health:
  Since 2015, the average concentration of fluoroquinolones in surface water has steadily declined, reflecting efforts to mitigate environmental contamination.

Tools and Initiatives

• Infection Prevention and Stewardship:
  New tools have been introduced to assist healthcare professionals in improving infection prevention and responsible antibiotic use.
  • The establishment of Regional Centers for Antibiotic Therapy (CRAtb) since late 2022 has been instrumental in advancing this agenda.
• International Collaboration:
  Initiatives such as the EU-JAMRAI2 Joint Action are driving cross-sectoral efforts to strengthen national action plans and optimize antibiotic use in both human and animal health.

Assessment

• Impacto:
  The heightened focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the One Health approach signals potential regulatory changes across pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicine, and environmental management sectors. Companies in these areas may need to adjust their practices to align with stricter antibiotic usage and resistance mitigation policies.
• Next Steps for Stakeholders:
  • Monitor developments in the 2024–2034 roadmap and adapt strategies accordingly.
  • Prioritize research and development of new antibiotics with lower resistance risks.
  • Strengthen stewardship programs across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

This comprehensive overview by ANSM underscores the urgent need for coordinated action against antimicrobial resistance and reinforces France’s commitment to the global fight against AMR.