A new Nature Communications paper from the Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net) calls for global collaboration to connect fragmented antimicrobial data and accelerate progress against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The publication, titled “There is urgent need for a Global Data Resource for Antimicrobial PK/PD: CAMO-Net GDR Initiative”, sets out an ambitious plan to create a Global Data Resource (GDR) – a secure, standardised platform for antimicrobial pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data. By unifying data that are currently dispersed across institutions and countries, the GDR aims to advance clinical decision-making and support more effective, evidence-based antimicrobial dosing worldwide.
“Pooling global data through the GDR will allow researchers and clinicians to generate new insights that directly improve patient outcomes,” said Henry Mutegeki, GDR Manager for CAMO-Net. “This is not just a technical solution – it’s a collaborative step towards equitable, data-driven healthcare.”
Recent estimates underline the scale of the challenge, with projections showing over ten million deaths attributed to AMR, projected annually by 2050. At present, PK/PD data are collected using different methods and stored in isolated silos, making it difficult to compare results across populations or regions. The proposed GDR would harmonise these data using common standards and quality assurance processes, allowing researchers to work together more efficiently and translate findings into better patient care.
“The GDR will help accelerate discovery, support capacity building, and ultimately ensure that antimicrobial therapy is optimised for every patient, everywhere,” said Professor Shampa Das, Head of Department & Professor of Antimicrobial Therapeutics at the University of Liverpool, and lead author on the paper. “By connecting data and expertise globally, we can move faster towards effective, equitable solutions to antimicrobial resistance.”
Building on this vision, the Global Data Resource will serve as a secure, international platform bringing together antimicrobial PK/PD, genomic, and usage data in a standardised system. Anchored in FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, it will enable high-quality, cross-regional analysis, reduce duplication, and support evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship. A multinational oversight committee will guide its governance framework, ensuring ethical data use, patient privacy, and transparent collaboration across borders.
This Nature Communications publication marks a significant step forward for the GDR project, demonstrating how international collaboration can shape the future of antimicrobial research. By setting out a clear vision for the GDR, the CAMO-Net team have highlighted the critical role of shared data, open science, and coordinated global action in addressing AMR.
Read the full article in Nature Communications: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64707-1.
