Rapid, non-culture based test for TB drug susceptibility using MPT64 biomarker
Official title: Innovating anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing with a novel and rapid non-culture based phenotypic test using MPT64 biomarker
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11503493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A quick, non-culture test using the MPT64 biomarker to tell if tuberculosis bacteria will respond to key drugs, so people with drug-resistant TB can get the right treatment faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $136,279 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI176409-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11503493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant TB, particularly those starting all-oral regimens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with drug-susceptible TB may not directly benefit, as the test targets resistance.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a rapid test that can be used directly on sputum to determine drug resistance in TB within 48–72 hours, instead of waiting weeks for culture-based results. The test relies on measuring the MPT64 protein, which signals active MTB growth and changes when drugs are effective. The team will validate a culture-derived MPT64 chemiluminescence-immunoassay for multiple drugs, including INH, RIF, fluoroquinolones, bedaquiline, linezolid, and delamanid, with the goal of delivering results soon after MTB is identified. If successful, clinicians could tailor therapy much more quickly, potentially improving outcomes and limiting transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients with drug-resistant TB could start effective treatment sooner, reducing illness duration and transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed MPT64 correlates with active growth and can be measured in sputum, supporting this approach but full clinical validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kato-Maeda, Midori — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kato-Maeda, Midori
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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.