Using a special virus to quickly identify drug resistance in tuberculosis
Official title: Nanoluciferase reporter phage for rapid phenotypic characterization of resistance to next-generation antimycobacterial agents
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10917040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to quickly and accurately find out if tuberculosis (TB) is resistant to certain medications, using a special virus that helps doctors get faster results, so patients can receive better treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,286 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168940-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis, particularly those suspected of having drug-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who do not have TB will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) by using a novel approach involving a specially engineered virus called a mycobacteriophage. This virus carries a reporter gene that allows for rapid detection of resistance to new anti-TB drugs, which is crucial given the rising rates of drug resistance. By combining genetic and phenotypic techniques, the research aims to provide faster and more accurate results than current methods, which often take longer and may not detect all forms of resistance. Patients with TB could benefit from more effective treatment options based on these rapid diagnostic results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to quicker and more accurate identification of drug-resistant TB, allowing for more effective treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mycobacteriophage assays for detecting drug resistance, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'donnell, Max — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: O'donnell, Max
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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.