NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Developing a new treatment for tuberculosis using MmpL3 inhibitors

Official title: Development of the HC2099 series of MmpL3 inhibitors to treat tuberculosis

Funded at Tarn Biosciences, INC. · NIH-10883595 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new medication called HC2099 to help treat tuberculosis, especially the tougher drug-resistant types, by targeting a key protein that the TB bacteria need to survive, with the hope of making treatment easier and more effective for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTarn Biosciences, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project startJuly 6, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$293,238
NIH project number5R41AI167105-02
Project IDNIH-10883595 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with drug-susceptible or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of infections or those who do not have tuberculosis will not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a new medication, HC2099, to treat tuberculosis (TB), including drug-resistant forms. The approach involves targeting a specific protein, MmpL3, which is crucial for the survival of the TB bacteria. By inhibiting this protein, the researchers aim to develop a treatment that is more effective and has fewer side effects than current therapies, which often require long courses of multiple medications. This could improve patient adherence to treatment and help combat the rise of drug-resistant TB.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and easier-to-follow treatment for tuberculosis, potentially saving lives and reducing the spread of drug-resistant strains.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting MmpL3 as a viable approach to treating tuberculosis, indicating that this strategy has potential based on earlier findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Tarn Biosciences, INC.
    East Lansing, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Vrbanac, John James — Tarn Biosciences, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Vrbanac, John James

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.