Lead optimization and preclinical development of a small molecule to fight Mycobacterium avium infections
Official title: Lead Optimization and Preclinical Development of a small molecule inhibitor of M. avium KasA
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11372892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research grant aims to develop a new small-molecule drug to treat infections caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which can cause serious lung disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $970,361 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI189168-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung infections caused by MAC who may benefit from a future new therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-MAC bacteria or those unable to participate in preclinical studies would not directly benefit at this stage.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating and testing a new drug that targets MAC bacteria, using preclinical studies to understand how well it works and how safely it behaves in the body. Researchers will explore how the compound interacts with the bacterial cell wall and essential pathways shared with tuberculosis, aiming to overcome drug resistance and improve cure rates. The work includes experiments in cell-based systems and animal models to predict how the drug might perform in humans. If successful, the findings could pave the way for clinical testing and future treatment options for MAC infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new therapy that improves cure rates for MAC infections and reduces treatment failures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mycobacterial cell wall synthesis can be effective, with ongoing development in related TB/MAC drug areas; this project builds on that foundation but remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alland, David — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Alland, David
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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.