Final answer:
Many public health professionals consider the rise in antibiotic resistance to be a significant threat. The government has provided taxpayer funds for research and development of new antibiotics to combat this issue. However, there is a debate on whether drug companies should be solely profit-driven or prioritize the public interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many public health professionals consider the rise in antibiotic resistance to be one of the greatest public health threats of our time. While private pharmaceutical companies may not find it financially lucrative to invest in the development of new antibiotics, the government has recognized the importance of this research and has provided taxpayer funds. In fact, the government has doubled the amount of federal funding to $1.2 billion for combating and preventing antibiotic resistance. This is in line with the growing belief that financial incentives should be given to pharmaceutical companies to encourage the development of new antimicrobials.
However, there is a question of whether pharmaceutical development should be motivated by profit or by the public interest. Some argue that drug companies have an ethical obligation to focus on high-utility drugs rather than highly profitable ones. Government subsidies alone may not ensure that drug companies prioritize the public interest. Therefore, government agencies could assume more responsibility for funding research in this area.
Developing new antibiotics is a lengthy, costly process. Pharmaceutical companies may prioritize the development of drugs for chronic diseases that generate more long-term revenue. However, with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, it is crucial to invest in the research and development of new antibiotics before existing ones become ineffective.