Personalized MDR-TB treatment using rapid sputum sequencing and targeted drug levels
Baseline pRescription According to Direct from Sputum Sequencing and TArgeted drug Concentration Strategy (BRASS TACS)
This project uses fast genetic tests on sputum plus early blood drug checks to pick the best medicines and doses for adults with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11399687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, doctors will take a sputum sample and use next-generation sequencing to quickly find which TB drugs the bacteria are likely resistant to and estimate drug sensitivity ranges. Based on those results, your treatment drugs and doses would be chosen right away rather than waiting weeks for culture results. Early blood tests will then check drug levels while staff directly observe therapy to make sure the doses reach effective targets and to catch side effects sooner. The goal is to get the right drugs and doses to you earlier, reduce harmful side effects, and prevent additional resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) with suspected or confirmed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis who can provide sputum samples and attend early monitoring visits are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with drug-sensitive TB, children, or those unable to give sputum samples or return for blood draws and follow-up visits are less likely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help people with MDR-TB start the right drugs and doses sooner, lower treatment-related harm, and improve chances of cure.
How similar studies have performed: Rapid sequencing from uncultured sputum and early therapeutic drug monitoring have shown feasibility in pilot work, but combining them for immediate, individualized MDR-TB dosing is a relatively new and not yet widely proven approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tornheim, Jeffrey — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tornheim, Jeffrey
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 below.