Caline Mattar, MD, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been appointed a chair of the Expert Advisory Group for the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub.
Based in Germany, the organization formed in May 2018 to pool international resources to develop new antibiotics, preventives and diagnostics against infections. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites render antibiotics and other medications ineffective. The concern is that infections will spread and increase the risk of extended illnesses, disability and death.
Mattar was selected as one of 13 global experts by the hub because of her expertise in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. In the role, Mattar will help lead a group tasked to evaluate vaccines, antibiotics and diagnostic tests aimed at combating tuberculosis and other pathogens deemed worrisome by the World Health Organization.
The group’s funding for new antibiotics and vaccines comes from 15 countries — including the U.S. — as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.
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