Will Fungi Be the Last of Us? Reviving Infectious Disease Innovation

HBO Max’s “The Last of Us” captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. While fictional, the threat posed by fungal pathogens is real. Fungi are adapting to survive in extreme environments and developing resistance to the limited tools available, across human, animal, and environmental health. This panel brings together leaders from biotech, pharma, diagnostics and a venture capital fund to discuss how science, policy, and capital must align to advance antifungal innovation. Panelists will explore lessons learned from developing a novel antifungal class, the role of diagnostics, the value of strategic partnerships, and how One Health aligned strategies and innovative incentive mechanisms could reinvigorate the field.