Improving treatment for lung disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria
Official title: Optimization of rifamycins to overcome intrinsic resistance of nontuberculous mycobacteria to improve treatment of NTM lung disease
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11092740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make a stronger antibiotic called rifamycins to help people with lung disease caused by tough bacteria that don’t respond well to current treatments, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $838,280 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177342-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with NTM lung disease, particularly those with pre-existing lung conditions or compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have NTM lung disease or those with other unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of rifamycins, a class of antibiotics, to combat nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that cause lung disease, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems or existing lung conditions. The study aims to address the intrinsic resistance of these bacteria to current treatments, which often rely on repurposed antibiotics that are not very effective. By optimizing rifamycins, the researchers hope to develop a more reliable and potent treatment option for patients suffering from NTM lung disease. The approach involves detailed laboratory work to understand how these bacteria resist treatment and how to overcome that resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with NTM lung disease, potentially improving their health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on optimizing antibiotics for bacterial infections, this specific approach to overcoming resistance in NTM is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
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Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dick, Thomas — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Dick, Thomas
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.