Understanding inflammation and drug delivery in pulmonary tuberculosis
Official title: Cavity and Granuloma Oriented Inflammation and Tissue Pharmacokinetics in Pulmonary Tuberculosis (COOK TB)
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11015016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation and damage in the lungs from tuberculosis can make it harder for anti-TB medicines to work, and it aims to find better ways to deliver these drugs to help patients heal more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $762,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173946-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly those exhibiting cavitary lesions in their lungs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-pulmonary forms of tuberculosis or those who do not have cavitary lesions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inflammation and tissue damage in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) affect the effectiveness of anti-TB drugs. It focuses on the formation of cavitary lesions in the lungs, which can hinder drug penetration and lead to worse health outcomes. By using advanced imaging techniques and analyzing tissue samples, the study aims to map the inflammatory responses and drug distribution in these lesions. The goal is to identify new treatment strategies that can improve drug delivery and reduce lung damage in TB patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for pulmonary tuberculosis, potentially reducing mortality and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding drug delivery in TB, but this approach is innovative in its focus on the specific mechanisms of inflammation and drug penetration in cavitary lesions.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kempker, Russell Ryan — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kempker, Russell Ryan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Urine color test to check tuberculosis drug levels in children and adults
This project uses a simple urine color test to see whether children and adults with TB are getting enough of key TB medicines like rifampin.
-
Treatment options for isoniazid-resistant TB: safety, effectiveness, and drug levels with a standard regimen
This grant studies whether a standard TB treatment plan that includes levofloxacin is safe and effective for people with isoniazid-resistant TB in Peru.
-
How lung cavities and granulomas affect TB inflammation and drug levels
This project looks at how damaged lung areas in people with pulmonary tuberculosis influence inflammation and whether antibiotics reach those spots.
-
Urine color test to monitor TB medicine levels in children and adults
This project uses a simple urine color measurement to check how well TB medicines, especially rifampin, reach the body in children and adults.
-
Finding better ways to diagnose tuberculosis in young children in Malawi.
This study is looking for better ways to find tuberculosis in young children under five in Malawi, especially those who are very malnourished, to help improve their treatment and care.
-
Evaluating a new treatment for antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis
This study is looking at a new treatment for antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis to see how well it works and how safe it is for patients, so we can find better options for people dealing with this tough infection.
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.