Antibiotic Action is needed, should be heeded and valued. Having spent nearly four decades researching and working in the antibacterial development field and making multiple discoveries which changed the field entirely (drug-resistant pneumococci, new mechanisms of drug-resistance, properties of new and existing antibacterials, Haemophilus influenzae drug resistance mechanisms, VRSA, techniques such as resistance selection and synergy testing), I have retired frustrated and in anger. Commercial interests including lack of interest by some parties in the honest, scientific truth, and increasingly complex regulatory requirements had become the ruin of my erstwhile field.

University overheads, the burdening costs of regulations and compliance, and an almost dry pipeline will see the brightest and most able investigators abandon antibacterial research entirely and either retire or move into new and more rewarding areas. This cannot and should not happen, but alas one fears only the death of a famous politician, actor or other personality, or else an outbreak which kills thousands will bring our real life concerns to the fore!

I implore those working in regulation, research and industry to support Antibiotic Action and use it as the lever by which our important and once noble field is recognised and energised ? after all the well-being not only of individuals but also of nations will depend on it. Let?s reverse the words of Jaques Acar “Notre m√©tier est disparu” to ensure this business is rescued from disappearance!