Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership (GARDP)

The journey of the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) began in response to a growing global crisis: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As the efficacy of existing antibiotics dwindled and the pipeline for new ones dried up, the world faced the prospect of common infections becoming untreatable. Recognizing this urgent threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) took a decisive step. In May 2016, GARDP was initiated, born out of the WHO's Global Action Plan on AMR which called for new, collaborative models to spur the development of novel antibiotic treatments. Initially incubated within DNDi, GARDP benefited from DNDi's established expertise in not-for-profit, needs-driven research and development for neglected diseases. This foundational period allowed GARDP to build its scientific strategy, assemble an initial R&D portfolio, and gather a dedicated start-up team.

By 2018, GARDP had matured into an independent Swiss foundation, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. This transition marked a significant milestone, allowing GARDP to operate with greater autonomy while continuing its close collaboration with its parent organizations and a growing network of global partners. From its inception, GARDP's mission has been clear: to develop new antibiotic treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections that pose the greatest threat to human health, and critically, to ensure these treatments are accessible and affordable to everyone who needs them, regardless of where they live. This public health-centered approach, rather than a profit-driven one, distinguishes GARDP. The organization focuses on areas often overlooked by traditional pharmaceutical development, targeting priority pathogens identified by the WHO and addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations, including children and those in low- and middle-income countries. Through strategic partnerships with public institutions, private companies, academic research centers, and non-profit organizations, GARDP is forging a new path to revitalize the antibiotic pipeline and safeguard global health for future generations.