The Learned Society Partnership on Antimicrobial Resistance (LeSPAR), which includes the RSB, has responded to the publication of a BMJ article by Professor Martin Llewelyn and colleagues on antibiotic course duration.

Professor David Webb, President of the British Pharmacological Society, commented on behalf of LeSPAR: “We welcome debate that will inform and promote effective antibiotic prescribing. LeSPAR’s concern is that there must be sufficient evidence to support any change in policy.

"We support the position of the Chief Medical Officer that the message to the public remains the same: Patients should continue to follow the advice of their own doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

"LeSPAR supports the need for further research to inform the updating and monitoring of policies and any consequent changes to practice that might be required.”

LeSPAR is a partnership of seven UK learned societies who have come together to support actions that can mitigate the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Collectively, these societies represent around 75,000 scientists.

LeSPAR aims to provide a single, unified voice and mobilise the UK’s collective research community in order to enhance understanding and knowledge-sharing between academia, industry and clinicians. The group is focused on taking action, championing best practice and raising awareness of the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

For further information or comment from LeSPAR, please contact policy@rsb.org.uk.