On Aug. 2, more than 80 Colorado researchers and physicians came together in Longmont, Colo., for “Colorado Responds to MDR-TB: A Meeting To Foster Collaborative Research on the Front Range," sponsored by Colorado State University, the Colorado Center for AIDS Research, Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, and National Jewish Medical and Research Center.
The group discussed collaborative opportunities for research on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Speakers and participants included experts from Colorado State University, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver Health, University of Colorado at Boulder and Front Range area biotech firms.
"Because drug-resistant tuberculosis is such an emerging threat, we are desperately in need of new agents for treatment," said Dr. Mary Ann DeGroote, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. "In recent years there has been progress around the world identifying new compounds that are active against TB. A comprehensive, large program at Colorado State dealing with the specific problem of drug-resistant TB has been established. We are encouraged by our collaborations with clinical and scientific colleagues up and down the Front Range of Colorado, in industry and academia, and believe there is hope for new therapies for tuberculosis."
Those presenting from Colorado State University included Dr. Dean Crick, an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology (MIP). Dr. Crick presented, "Therapeutics: Targets for Early Drug Discovery," presenting his work on new targets for TB drug discovery and giving some examples of his scientific approach toward targeting specific pathways in cell wall lipid synthesis. Dr. Anne J. Lenaerts, an Assistant Professor in MIP, presented, "Preclinical Testing of Experimental Compounds against M. Tuberculosis," an overview of preclinical testing at Colorado State University.
Dr. Ian Orme, Professor with MIP, presented "Potential for Vaccination Against Drug-Resistant TB," discussing the data on the virulence of various multi-drug resistant strains of tuberculosis in laboratory animal models and potential for new vaccinations against MDR-TB. Dr. Patrick Brennan, University Distinguished Professor in MIP offered, "Concluding Remarks: Identification of Joint Research Programs," a discussion on joint research programs and funding opportunities.
