A new RNA test to diagnose antibiotic resistance in tuberculosis.
Official title: An RNA Nanosensor for the Diagnosis of Antibiotic Resistance in M. Tuberculosis
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10928887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, quick test that uses RNA to help doctors find out if tuberculosis bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, making it easier and faster to choose the right treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $705,150 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176498-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis who may have antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who do not have a confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel RNA-based diagnostic tool to identify antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a major global health threat. Current methods for diagnosing resistance are slow and costly, often relying on bacterial culture, which can take weeks. The proposed RNA nanosensor aims to provide rapid and accurate results without the need for extensive genetic knowledge, making it easier for healthcare providers to determine the most effective treatment options for patients. By leveraging existing data, this approach seeks to enhance the sensitivity of resistance detection and broaden the range of antibiotics tested.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of antibiotic resistance in tuberculosis, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for antibiotic resistance, but this RNA-based approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farhat, Maha — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Farhat, Maha
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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.