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The following DAIDS-sponsored contract resources are available to assist investigators in the evaluation of novel anti-TB therapies.

Compound Acquisition

Novel synthetic and pure natural product compounds (~6000 per year) are actively solicited as potential anti-tubercular therapies. Compounds are inventoried and then shipped to DAIDS-sponsored TB testing facilities.

In Vitro Efficacy Evaluations

• Potential therapeutic agents can be evaluated for cytotoxicity and for efficacy against both wild type and drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  
• Therapeutic agents can be evaluated either alone or in combination with other agents

In Vivo Efficacy Evaluations

• A model utilizing M. tuberculosis infection of mice is available. Microbiologic and histologic parameters can be evaluated.
  
• Compounds are evaluated for in vitro efficacy against the microbial strains used in the model prior to initiating in vivo studies
  
• Therapeutic agents can be evaluated either alone or in combination with other agents
  
• Both anti-tubercular and immune-based therapies can be evaluated.

Accessing These Resources

For further information please contact Dr. Barbara Laughon (phone: 301-402-2304; e-mail: bl17u@nih.gov)