Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded Johns Hopkins University a Project Grant totaling $427,521 under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) effective May 7, 2026, with an ultimate completion date of April 30, 2028. This research initiative addresses the critical gap in understanding beta-lactam antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium that causes treatment-resistant chronic lung disease. The primary deliverables include identification of genetic markers and mutations conferring resistance to imipenem and cefoxitin through whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis of clinical isolates and laboratory-generated mutants, validation of resistance mutations through experimental recreation in drug-sensitive reference strains, and assessment of a dual beta-lactam treatment strategy for resistant infections.

The research is structured around two specific aims designed to generate molecular diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic approaches. Aim 1 focuses on characterizing the genetic basis of beta-lactam resistance to enable development of rapid molecular diagnostic tests comparable to those previously developed for tuberculosis rifampicin resistance. Aim 2 evaluates the viability of simultaneous dual beta-lactam administration as an alternative treatment strategy. These research activities will be conducted at Johns Hopkins University's Baltimore, Maryland location and are expected to provide critical scientific knowledge and practical tools for improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for this emerging infectious disease.