ACCESS TO MEDICINE FOUNDATION | The environment for biotechs and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop new, innovative antimicrobials is “an uphill battle”. These companies are critically important to antibacterial research and development (R&D) but face challenges securing resources. Since it was founded, CARB-X has funded companies with a median size of 25 or fewer employees. Subscription models are needed to restore economic health to antibacterial R&D.