Antibiotic research and education in Uppsala & Stockholm
Academia and industry in the Uppsala and Stockholm region form a vital hub for basic research in the field of antibiotics. Here we coordinate several international research projects, many with EU funding. A prioritised part of our work is high-quality research education and dialogue with society.
In addition to strong basic research in pharmaceutical development, microbiology and antibiotic resistance, Uppsala University and KI conduct leading research on diagnostics, financial models, law, ethics, health, sustainable development, behaviour and pedagogy. We also lead and coordinate numerous national and international consortia in these important fields of science:
Uppsala Antibiotic Center – UAC
A centre for research, education and innovation aimed at tackling and finding solutions to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. UAC conducts interdisciplinary research and education on antibiotic resistance involving all three disciplinary domains at Uppsala University. The centre was inaugurated in autumn 2016 and 14 interdisciplinary doctoral projects have been in progress here since 2017.
Collaboration for Prevention and Treatment of MDR Bacterial Infections – COMBINE
A multinational collaboration, in which Uppsala University has a leading role. Eleven partners from academia and industry in seven European countries are together seeking to pave the way for more effective antibiotic development. The project runs from 1 November 2019 until 31 October 2025. It is backed by the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) – a partnership between the EU and the EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations).
European Gram Negative AntiBacterial Engine – ENABLE-2
The development of new antibiotics is a crucial part of the efforts to address the problems arising from resistant bacteria. Within the EU project European Gram Negative AntiBacterial Engine (ENABLE), a solid model to provide support during the early stages of antibacterial drug development was founded. Now, Uppsala University continues the work in ENABLE-2, a platform funded by the Swedish Research Council.
ENABLE-2 is welcomed with great enthusiasm among Swedish academia and biotech companies, and an independent portfolio committee has, among many applications, selected four highly promising molecules that constitute potential candidates for antibacterial drugs and will be included in the platform.
Platform for Innovation of Existing Antibiotics – PLATINEA
A collaboration platform that aims to improve access to and optimise the use of antibiotics. The platform is funded by VINNOVA and consists of 15 actors from academia, public authorities, industry and health services. The objective is to ensure that existing antibiotics are used in the best possible way and to guarantee access to important antibiotics that risk disappearing from Sweden. The platform involves continuous identification and prioritisation of antibiotic needs, as well as new studies for the adaptation of antibiotics dosage. The project will also evaluate and test new tools to promote rational antibiotics use and investigate existing supply chains for antibiotics.
Action on Antibiotic Resistance – ReAct
ReAct is an Uppsala-based international network that has played an important international role in recent years in the approach to developing new antibiotics. The network applies a health system perspective to antibiotic resistance. It seeks to promote a new business model that encourages the public and private sectors to cooperate in tackling the scientific challenges, while creating innovative financial and other incentives. Uppsala therefore excels not only in research on antibiotic resistance but also in the dissemination of information and advocacy.