TAACF Services

The TAACF integrates three testing components into a unified program to facilitate the search for anti-mycobacterial drugs. The program:

• Coordinates the acquisition of compounds for testing
• Screens for in vitro activity
• Screens for in vivo activity
• Provides support for drug development and commercialization

The program is coordinated by Southern Research Institute (SRI). SRI interacts with interested compound suppliers and coordinates all compound acquisition duties, data entry and database maintenance, testing coordination, and medicinal chemistry support. SRI also provides data report generation, interpretation, and delivery to suppliers. As part of a new contract with NIAID, SRI has developed a new high-throughput screening (HTS) service that allows for screening of large compound libraries against specific validated targets for TB.

Colorado State University (CSU) receives compounds that show promising in vitro activity and performs in vivo screening services for the compounds.

RTI International (RTI) manages NIAID's Tuberculosis Technology Transfer Support program. RTI works with compound suppliers to develop comprehensive promotional packages and facilitate partnerships with pharmaceutical companies for drug development.