VALUE-Dx, a first-of-its-kind Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) project which aims to improve the use of antibiotics in community care settings, has recently released preliminary information from its upcoming consensus statement on rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) at a post- European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) conference. The findings highlight the potential to alleviate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) via improved diagnostics for ARTIs, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The VALUE-Dx project is a collaborative effort between the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), along with six in vitro diagnostics companies and 20 non-industry partners. The initial findings of VALUE-Dx’s consensus statement highlighted the role of RDTs, antimicrobial stewardship, and biomarkers as useful composite interventions for improved clinical outcomes in the management of ARTIs.

Stephanie Kurdach, Infectious Disease Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “This project is addressing an urgent need for improved antimicrobial stewardship. Antibiotic overprescription – particularly for ARTIs – is a key contributor to AMR. However, the implementation of improved RDTs could optimize the way patients are treated, thereby reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. These topics are a focal point of VALUE-Dx’s campaign.”

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData have confirmed that diagnostic testing for ARTIs is suboptimal in terms of test availability, testing frequency, and the type of test performed, and varies among the US and European nations. For example, diagnostic testing for ARTIs is not readily available for use within general practice facilities in the UK.

Improved testing for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza were cited as particularly important unmet needs to help reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. Additionally, according to one US KOL, around 25% of influenza cases in this market may be diagnosed and treated without a confirmed diagnostic test at all.

Kurdach continues: “The lack of RDTs and point-of-care testing (POCT) in community care settings is leading to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by healthcare providers. Often, patients are prescribed antibiotics when, in fact, they have a viral infection. This inappropriate usage of antibiotics is accelerating AMR.”

To address the findings from the consensus statement and reduce barriers to the adoption and utilization of diagnostics, VALUE-Dx will produce a final publication which includes a list of recommendations on such topics as biobanking, data management, clinical trials, and education and advocacy. This is expected to be released by the end of 2023.

Kurdach concludes: “A huge part of conquering AMR is increasing awareness among the public. VALUE-Dx is doing a great job with this, as its campaign infographics stress the need for POCT, RDTs, and using antibiotics responsibly. Continued dissemination of its upcoming publications could help to decelerate AMR’s global threat.”