EDAR8 Workshop: Enhancing environmental risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance across the entire life cycle of antimicrobials

Facilitators: Dr Aimee Murray, Dr Joanne Elmoznino, Dr Andreas Häner, Dr Kirsty Reid, Mr Steve Brooks

Antimicrobials have been considered as emerging contaminants of concern for several years, with growing evidence that selection for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can occur at sub-therapeutic concentrations, like those in the environment.

Tangible progress has been made in the last decade in implementing environmental risk assessment (ERA) schemes for manufacturing of antibiotics, including the AMR Industry Alliance Standard and the WHO’s guidance on wastewater and solid waste management. However, there is still significant debate over the suitability, specificity, reliability and narrow context of these guidelines.

The revised EU General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL), with expected adoption by the end of 2026, proposes evaluating AMR risks across the entire antimicrobial life cycle, including antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antiprotozoals. This workshop addresses the pressing need to bridge the gaps between scientific research and cross-regulatory practice by facilitating dialogue between researchers and industrial stakeholders to critically discuss current ERA frameworks and future research priorities.