Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of death in patients with HIV. The bacterium that causes TB has become increasingly resistant to TB drugs, threatening the gains in TB treatment and prevention achieved over the past several decades. Innovative research in TB pharmacology, genomics, and clinical trials is needed to evaluate recently developed drugs for combating TB. In addition, the next generation of scientists needs to be trained in multidisciplinary TB/HIV and global health patient-oriented research.

James Brust, M.D., has received a five-year, $889,000 NIH grant to expand his multidisciplinary research program—now studying drug-resistant TB and HIV in South Africa—into new areas. Dr. Brust plans to evaluate the effectiveness of novel TB drugs and to develop a strong mentoring program for junior investigators in TB, HIV, and global health patient-oriented research, both at Einstein and at his international collaborating sites.

Dr. Brust is an associate professor of medicine at Einstein and attending physician at Montefiore Health System. (1K24AI155045)