DOSAGE FORM PROFILE OF ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS IN WHO AWARE SUBGROUPS

Abstract

The aim of the work: To conduct an analytical review of scientific publications concerning the global escalation of antibiotic resistance, with a focus on the WHO AWaRe classification of antibacterial drugs and the distribution of their dosage forms within the Access, Watch, and Reserve subgroups on the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market.

Materials and Methods. The analysis was based on data from the Scopus database (2016–2025), excluding publications by authors affiliated with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. In addition, official data from the State Register of Medicinal Products of Ukraine were reviewed to assess the dosage forms of antibacterial drugs included in the AWaRe groups.

Results and Discussion. The study revealed a significant increase in international research interest in the issue of antibiotic resistance and in the application of the AWaRe classification as a tool for the rational use of antibacterial drugs. This is evidenced by the growing number of scientific publications (2016–2025, Scopus) across the fields of medicine, microbiology, and pharmacy, with a predominance of empirical studies. The United Kingdom, the United States, and India are leading in publication activity. In Ukraine, the ongoing war has greatly intensified challenges related to antibiotic resistance. However, the introduction of the AWaRe system, the development of electronic prescribing, and updates to the regulatory framework have contributed to improvement. A comparative analysis of dosage forms showed a predominance of oral formulations in the Access group, parenteral forms in the Watch and Reserve groups, and limited availability of pediatric formulations, particularly in the Reserve group. These findings highlight the regulatory rationale behind the AWaRe framework, which aims to control the availability and administration routes of antibacterial drugs depending on the severity of infection and the need for inpatient care.

Conclusions. The Ukrainian context requires either the adaptation of clinical protocols to the availability of dosage forms or the enrichment of the domestic market with appropriate dosage forms to ensure compliance with clinical protocols.