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Arcera, a global life sciences company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has launched an innovative intravenous antibiotic designed to combat antibiotic resistance while signing a strategic memorandum of understanding with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research UAE Chapter. The announcement, made on February 1, 2026, aims to improve patient access to advanced treatments and enhance healthcare outcomes across the region.
The launch coincides with growing global concern over antimicrobial resistance, which the World Health Organization has classified as one of the most critical threats to public health. According to WHO data, antibiotic resistance caused approximately 1.14 million deaths worldwide in 2021, with the Eastern Mediterranean region recording around 380,000 related fatalities.
Innovative Antibiotic Addresses Growing Resistance Crisis
The new antibiotic resistance treatment represents a significant advancement in combating multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. According to Arcera, the medication restores effectiveness against bacteria that produce beta-lactamase enzymes, which can neutralize a wide range of conventional antibiotics. The treatment aligns with the UAE’s national antimicrobial stewardship programs, which promote responsible antibiotic use and preserve the efficacy of last-resort therapies.
However, the urgency behind this development stems from alarming projections about the future impact of antimicrobial resistance. Experts warn that without innovative solutions, antibiotic resistance could claim 39 million lives over the next 25 years, equivalent to approximately three deaths every minute. Additionally, the World Bank estimates that escalating antimicrobial resistance could result in global GDP losses of up to 3.4 trillion dollars annually by 2030.
Economic and Healthcare Impact
The economic implications extend beyond mortality figures, according to international financial institutions. Rising healthcare costs, declining productivity, and widespread economic disruptions threaten to strain healthcare systems worldwide. In contrast, investments in novel antibiotic development and antimicrobial stewardship programs offer potential long-term savings and improved patient outcomes.
Meanwhile, Arcera has made substantial progress in securing regulatory approvals for the new antibiotic across Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The company stated that preparations for market introduction are advancing, reflecting its commitment to ensuring timely access to life-saving treatments for patients who need them most.
Strategic Partnership to Enhance Healthcare Innovation
During the ISPOR UAE Conference 2026, Arcera and the UAE chapter of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research formalized their collaboration agreement. The partnership focuses on advancing pharmacoeconomics and pharmaceutical research while strengthening health technology assessment pathways in the UAE. This framework supports evidence-based decision-making and aligns with the nation’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for healthcare excellence.
The collaboration encompasses capacity building, professional development, and mentorship programs designed to cultivate national expertise. According to the agreement, both organizations will work to facilitate access to advanced therapeutic solutions while supporting research capabilities that strengthen the healthcare sector’s foundation.
Leadership Perspectives on Healthcare Sustainability
Isabel Afonso, Chief Executive Officer of Arcera, emphasized that building resilient healthcare systems requires trusted partnerships and policies that translate scientific achievements into practical reality. She noted that the collaboration with ISPOR UAE reflects a shared commitment to developing healthcare economics and outcomes research, which enhances decision quality and supports sustainable investment strategies.
Professor Nadia Al Mazrouei, President of ISPOR UAE Chapter, welcomed Arcera as a strategic partner, stating that the initiative aligns with the organization’s mission to elevate decision-making quality in healthcare. She highlighted that the UAE represents a promising and advanced market for health technologies, and combining ISPOR UAE’s expertise with Arcera’s regional leadership would enable more effective responses to sector challenges.
Policy Dialogue and Future Planning
Furthermore, Afonso participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Securing the Future: Policies to Enhance Healthcare for Future Generations in the Middle East and Africa.” The session brought together international experts and officials, including representatives from Korean health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and UAE regulatory bodies. Participants emphasized the importance of policy frameworks that support innovation while ensuring long-term sustainability of healthcare systems.
The company has not announced specific timelines for wider regional rollout of the antibiotic beyond GCC markets, though regulatory submissions are reportedly progressing according to schedule.
