Expert Q&A

Do you think privatisation has negatively impact our research capabilities - especially looking at AMR and antibiotic development — what most people get wrong about this

The Privatization Shift in Antibiotic Development

I examine how privatization has reshaped medical research, particularly in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and new antibiotic pipelines. Over the past 30 years, the proportion of antibiotics discovered through public funding has dropped from nearly 80% in the 1980s to under 35% today. Large pharmaceutical companies now dominate, yet they have largely abandoned antibiotic R&D because these drugs are used short-term and generate low returns compared to chronic therapies like those for diabetes or hypertension—conditions many in our 45-54 community manage daily.

Why AMR Research Has Stalled Under Private Models

Private incentives prioritize blockbuster drugs over solutions for AMR, where resistant infections already cause 1.27 million deaths annually worldwide. The development cost for a new antibiotic averages $1.5 billion, yet peak sales rarely exceed $300 million before generics erode profits. This mismatch explains why only 12 new antibiotics reached approval between 2017 and 2022, most being modifications of existing classes rather than novel mechanisms. At CFP Weight Loss, we see the downstream effects: chronic low-grade inflammation from recurrent infections worsens insulin resistance and hormonal shifts, making sustainable weight loss even harder for those already battling joint pain and metabolic syndrome.

What Most People Get Wrong About Public-Private Dynamics

The biggest misconception is that privatization simply “speeds things up.” In reality, it narrows focus to high-margin areas, leaving critical gaps in AMR. Publicly funded research historically delivered foundational discoveries—penicillin, streptomycin, and most early cephalosporins. Today, venture capital demands 10x returns within 5–7 years, incompatible with the 10–15 year timeline for antibiotic trials. Another myth is that government can simply “hand off” to industry; without push-pull incentives like the PASTEUR Act or subscription models that delink revenue from volume, private firms stay away. Our methodology in The CFP Reset emphasizes addressing root inflammatory drivers, including infection burden, which privatization has left underfunded.

Practical Steps for Individuals Facing These Systemic Gaps

While systemic change lags, you can protect your metabolic health now. Prioritize evidence-based habits that lower inflammation and support immune resilience: aim for 150 minutes of joint-friendly movement weekly, emphasize fiber-rich foods to maintain microbiome diversity (a key AMR buffer), and manage blood glucose tightly—elevated sugars accelerate resistant infections. Track sleep and stress, as both amplify hormonal changes that compound weight plateaus. For middle-income families denied insurance coverage, these low-cost strategies from our beginner-friendly plans deliver results without complex meal preps or expensive gym contracts. Understanding these research realities empowers you to focus on what you can control while advocating for balanced public-private models that revive antibiotic innovation.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows deep skepticism about privatization's effect on AMR research. Many 45-54 members share stories of repeated antibiotic failures and wonder why new drugs dried up just as their own metabolic and joint issues intensified. A common view holds that Big Pharma abandoned antibiotics for profitable diabetes and blood pressure medications, leaving public labs underfunded. Most practitioners in weight-loss forums report frustration with conflicting advice on immunity and inflammation, often linking recurrent infections to stalled fat loss. A vocal minority argues public-private partnerships could work with proper incentives, citing European subscription models, but the dominant sentiment is distrust—'they only chase what pays'—mixed with personal embarrassment about asking doctors for help with obesity-related infection risks. Lived experiences frequently mention failed diets worsening after courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics that disrupted gut health.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Do you think privatisation has negatively impact our research capabilities - esp. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/do-you-think-privatisation-has-negatively-impact-our-research-capabilities-especially-looking-at-amr-and-antibiotic-development-what-most-people-get-wrong-about-this
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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