The Honorable Maggie Hassan 324 Hart Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Roger Marshall, M.D. 479A Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senators Hassan and Marshall:

ASM, on behalf of its 38,000 members in the United States and around the world, is pleased to support the Stop Superbugs Act. We thank you for your bipartisan leadership in strengthening the nation’s capacity to conduct the clinical research needed to prevent, diagnose and treat antibiotic resistance (AMR).

AMR is a serious public health threat that puts patients at risk and undermines modern medicine, including routine surgery, cancer treatment, organ transplantation and neonatal care. As the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care heard this week, the U.S. needs new antimicrobial drugs, rapid diagnostics and the clinical capacity to ensure these tools reach patients and are used appropriately.

ASM strongly supports renewed investment in the Antibiotic Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG), which brings together experts to prioritize, design and conduct clinical research to address antibiotic resistant infections. For over a decade, the ARLG has facilitated faster clinical trial recruitment, outreach in community settings, pairing diagnostic and pharmaceutical innovations in clinical trials and developing patient reported outcomes. The Stop Superbugs Act would ensure that this important network continues to be supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 

ASM urges Congress to advance the Stop Superbugs Act and continue pursuing a comprehensive response to AMR that supports research, surveillance, stewardship, diagnostics and the development and deployment of urgently needed countermeasures. ASM stands ready to work with you to move this important bipartisan legislation forward. If we can be of further assistance, please contact JR Kane, Government Relations Manager at ASM, at jkane@asmusa.org.

Sincerely,

Amalia Corby
Director of Federal Affairs
ASM