# UIC: In vitro In vivo Mtb Pharmacology

> **NIH NIH U19** · GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TB DRUG DEVELOPMENT · 2020 · $1,007,216

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The central objective of Core B of this CETR is to perform a comprehensive array of mycobacteriological in
vitro and in vivo assays, to evaluate anti-Mtb activities broadly and, thereby, serve all Projects 1-4 and
Cores A+C within the collaborative context of this CETR. The Core B Leader, Dr. Scott Franzblau, has
assembled an experienced research team, which has a long track record of collaboration with the CETR PI/PD
and the TB Alliance group, as well as with many other senior CETR investigators. The Core B team is supported
by the well-equipped infrastructure of the Institute for Tuberculosis Research (ITR) at UIC’s College of Pharmacy.
ITR has established distinctive high-throughput screening (HTS) capabilities for Mtb and has made them available
collaboratively to researchers worldwide, which led to the discovery of anti-Mtb leads developed in this CETR.
Core B will perform all Mtb screening of active leads/compounds in the CETR, as provided by Projects 1-4, and
is organized into three Specific Aims as follows: [AIM 1] in vitro Mtb activity profiling to determine MICs against
Mtb under both replicating conditions (MABA) and in non-replicating environments (LORA) and determine general
cytotoxicity. By including data from Core A, the in vitro profiles generated in Core B will become part of the CETR
lead compound prioritization process. [AIM 2] advanced Mtb activity profiling, aimed at prioritizing the leads
from AIM 1 with respect to an extended panel of in vitro assays: selectivity against mini-spectrum, protein binding,
activity in macrophage culture, mono-drug resistant Mtb strains, genetically/geographically diverse Mtb strains,
and bactericidal activity. The insight evolving from AIM 2 will synergize with safety and ADME/PK data from Core A
and the biochemical and target specific assay data from Projects 1-3. [AIM 3] in vivo characterization of Mtb
activity in the following mouse models of TB: in vivo preliminary tolerability; capacity to inhibit the growth of Mtb
in acute, and bactericidal activity in chronic Mtb infected mice, respectively. Generation of resistant mutants will
facilitate mechanism of action studies in the CETR, particularly in Projects 1+3. The activities in Core B’s three
Aims will largely run in parallel and be coordinated closely with the other Cores and Projects. Core B will contribute
to key aspects of the proposed translational research: the lead identification and optimization driven by
Projects 1-3, the regimen development done in Project 4, the drug discovery efforts of Core A, and the IND-
enabling work performed in Core C.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9904478
- **Project number:** 5U19AI142735-02
- **Recipient organization:** GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TB DRUG DEVELOPMENT
- **Principal Investigator:** Scott G. Franzblau
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,007,216
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9904478

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9904478, UIC: In vitro In vivo Mtb Pharmacology (5U19AI142735-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9904478. Licensed CC0.

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