Improved Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) for Mycobacteria

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is seeking to support research for the development of improved drug susceptibility tests (DSTs) for mycobacterial drugs. The current assays are slow and culture-based, and improved DSTs are essential for guiding effective treatment and reducing drug-resistant mycobacterial rates. This program will support the development of innovative DST assays, including rapid genotypic and improved phenotypic methods. • The program aims to develop DSTs for mycobacterial drugs, including those used for treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. • The current assays are slow and culture-based, and improved DSTs are essential for guiding effective treatment. • The program will support the development of innovative DST assays, including rapid genotypic and improved phenotypic methods. • The estimated funding for this program is $3,000,000, and it is expected to support 3 awards.