A new method for quickly detecting drug resistance in tuberculosis
Official title: A novel cartridge-based sequencing solution for decentralized M. tuberculosis resistance detection
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10884389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use test that quickly checks if tuberculosis is resistant to a common drug, helping doctors get important information faster and improve treatment for patients with rifampin-resistant TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $703,128 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177637-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rifampin-resistant tuberculosis who require timely drug susceptibility testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-resistant forms of tuberculosis or those who do not have access to the testing facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cartridge-based sequencing solution that allows for rapid detection of drug resistance in tuberculosis, specifically rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). By utilizing advanced technologies like ultrasonication and microfluidics, the project aims to simplify the workflow for preparing clinical samples, making it easier to obtain timely drug susceptibility data. This approach could significantly enhance the management of RR-TB by providing comprehensive genetic information without the need for complex laboratory setups. The goal is to make this testing accessible in decentralized settings, improving patient outcomes worldwide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate treatment options for patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using next-generation sequencing for tuberculosis detection, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metcalfe, John Zapata — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Metcalfe, John Zapata
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.