Next Lab

Pioneering Change,
One Community at a Time

A Global Threat

The growing STI crisis is affecting millions worldwide, with resistant infections driving alarming mortality rates.

The World Health Organization report states that:

0 M Infections

More than 1 million curable STIs are acquired every day. In 2020, an estimated 374 million new infections occurred worldwide 1.

0 M Deaths

Bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to a total of 4.95 million deaths globally 2 .

A Vision for Change:
A Message from Our Board President

Welcome to the Next Lab Foundation

Imagine a future where sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are no longer a global health crisis—a world free from the suffering and loss caused by chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, and other STIs. At the Next Lab Foundation, we are not just envisioning this future—we are actively building it.

Our mission is bold yet clear: to eradicate STIs. We are starting by addressing one of the most critical threats—antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMRs occur naturally when sources of infections develop genetic changes over time, making them no longer responsive to antibiotics.  Further, AMRs claim millions of lives annually, and push us toward a future where some infections will become untreatable as resistance grows;  they have become one of the greatest global health challenges. But at the Next Lab Foundation, we see these challenges as opportunities to lead boldly, innovate fearlessly, and empower communities to thrive.

We are proud to offer the first-ever targeted molecular resistance testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium in the United States, and through our community testing program, we are offering this free of charge to patients. This critical advancement in combating AMR rapidly identifies resistance patterns, ensuring patients receive precise, effective treatments. It also empowers providers to adhere to the 2021 CDC STI treatment guidelines. Through this pioneering service, advanced diagnostics, and policy advocacy, we are breaking down barriers to care while preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

I invite you to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can reimagine what’s possible in healthcare—ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve, every provider has the tools they need, and every community has access to next-level care.

Welcome to a future defined by hope, progress, and resilience. Let’s lead the way—one patient, one innovation, and one community at a time.

With determination and gratitude,

Chris-Yoder-President-of-Next-Lab-Foundation
Chris Yoder
Board President, Next Lab Foundation

Advanced Approach to AMR

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, causing an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide 2 and contributing to over 2.8 million drug-resistant infections annually in the U.S. alone 3. Among the most urgent challenges are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, which are rapidly developing resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

In response to this growing crisis, Next Lab Foundation is advancing molecular diagnostics, providing innovative solutions designed to address resistance effectively. As the nation’s only provider of CDC-compliant molecular resistance testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, our non-profit empowers healthcare providers to make precise, targeted treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes and slowing the spread of resistance.

For asymptomatic Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections, this test detects genetic markers of antibiotic susceptibility or resistance, enabling clinicians to prescribe oral ciprofloxacin for susceptible cases while preserving ceftriaxone as a last-resort treatment 4.

This approach confronts the escalating challenge of macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium. Using advanced diagnostics, tailored treatment plans are developed based on test results. Treatment begins with doxycycline to reduce bacterial load, followed by azithromycin for macrolide-sensitive infections or moxifloxacin for resistant cases. With cure rates exceeding 90%, RGT ensures precise and effective care 5.

These diagnostic innovations not only enhance treatment precision but also deliver far-reaching public health benefits. By lowering AMR rates, reducing healthcare costs, and easing the burden on healthcare systems, they underscore the importance of responsible antibiotic use among providers and patients alike.

A Vision for Change:
A Message from Our Board President

Welcome to the Next Lab Foundation

Imagine a future where sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are no longer a global health crisis—a world free from the suffering and loss caused by chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, and other STIs. At the Next Lab Foundation, we are not just envisioning this future—we are actively building it.

Our mission is bold yet clear: to eradicate STIs. We are starting by addressing one of the most critical threats—antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMRs occur naturally when sources of infections develop genetic changes over time, making them no longer responsive to antibiotics.  Further, AMRs claim millions of lives annually, and push us toward a future where some infections will become untreatable as resistance grows;  they have become one of the greatest global health challenges. But at the Next Lab Foundation, we see these challenges as opportunities to lead boldly, innovate fearlessly, and empower communities to thrive.

We are proud to offer the first-ever targeted molecular resistance testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium in the United States, and through our community testing program, we are offering this free of charge to patients. This critical advancement in combating AMR rapidly identifies resistance patterns, ensuring patients receive precise, effective treatments. It also empowers providers to adhere to the 2021 CDC STI treatment guidelines. Through this pioneering service, advanced diagnostics, and policy advocacy, we are breaking down barriers to care while preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

We believe advanced care should be a right—not a privilege. At the heart of our mission is a simple yet powerful belief: we can—and must—do better. Every innovation, every initiative, and every partnership propels us closer to a future where resistance testing becomes the standard of care and STI eradication becomes a reality.

I invite you to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can reimagine what’s possible in healthcare—ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve, every provider has the tools they need, and every community has access to next-level care.

Welcome to a future defined by hope, progress, and resilience. Let’s lead the way—one patient, one innovation, and one community at a time.

With determination and gratitude,

Chris Yoder President of Next Lab Foundation

Chris Yoder
Board President, Next Lab Foundation

A Global Threat

The growing STI crisis is affecting millions worldwide, with resistant infections driving alarming mortality rates.

The World Health Organization report states that:

0 M Infections

More than 1 million curable STIs are acquired every day. In 2020, an estimated 374 million new infections occurred worldwide 1.

0 M Deaths

Bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to a total of 4.95 million deaths globally 2 .

Advanced Approach to AMR

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, causing an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide 2 and contributing to over 2.8 million drug-resistant infections annually in the U.S. alone 3. Among the most urgent challenges are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, which are rapidly developing resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

In response to this growing crisis, Next Lab Foundation is advancing molecular diagnostics, providing innovative solutions designed to address resistance effectively. As the nation’s only provider of CDC-compliant molecular resistance testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, our non-profit empowers healthcare providers to make precise, targeted treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes and slowing the spread of resistance.

For asymptomatic Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections, this test detects genetic markers of antibiotic susceptibility or resistance, enabling clinicians to prescribe oral ciprofloxacin for susceptible cases while preserving ceftriaxone as a last-resort treatment 4.

This approach confronts the escalating challenge of macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium. Using advanced diagnostics, tailored treatment plans are developed based on test results. Treatment begins with doxycycline to reduce bacterial load, followed by azithromycin for macrolide-sensitive infections or moxifloxacin for resistant cases. With cure rates exceeding 90%, RGT ensures precise and effective care 5.

These diagnostic innovations not only enhance treatment precision but also deliver far-reaching public health benefits. By lowering AMR rates, reducing healthcare costs, and easing the burden on healthcare systems, they underscore the importance of responsible antibiotic use among providers and patients alike.

Expanding Access and Impact

Through our Community Testing Program, we eliminate financial barriers to advanced resistance diagnostics, ensuring equitable access to life-saving services. Beyond the lab, our advocacy efforts are driving national adoption of resistance testing, making it the standard in routine care.

Every community deserves next-level care. Join us in pioneering change.

Why Partner

With Next Lab

Free Community Testing Program

Care should never be out of reach. That’s why we offer advanced resistance testing free of charge to qualified practices. We are the only nonprofit provider offering CDC-compliant molecular resistance testing free of charge for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium. By breaking down barriers to care, we’re empowering communities, improving outcomes, and ensuring that precision treatment is accessible to everyone who needs it.

Advanced Diagnostics

Advanced resistance testing identifies genetic markers associated with antibiotic susceptibility and resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, enabling clinicians to deliver precise, evidence-based treatments. This approach ensures better patient outcomes while preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

Partnering to Protect Public Health

By partnering with us, your practice will gain access to the tools and knowledge necessary to understand AMR and CDC standards more effectively. You'll also have access to innovative solutions that enable you to determine whether a patient can be effectively treated with ceftriaxone or azithromycin through resistance-guided treatment. This approach aligns with the latest CDC STI treatment guidelines, ensuring optimal care and achieving cure rates of over 90%.

Policy Advocacy

Championing a future where advanced diagnostic tools are accessible to everyone. Through focused policy initiatives, we work to expand nationwide access to resistance testing as routine care, empowering providers to deliver life-saving treatments.

Your Practice.
Your Patients.
Our Mission.

You are on the frontlines of the AMR crisis every day. We’re here to empower you with the resources and support needed to deliver precise, life-saving care to every patient—because no one should suffer from outdated or ineffective treatments. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Join us in pioneering a new era of STI patient care, where resistance-informed treatment is the standard. Be part of the solution today and make a lasting impact.

Your Impact Starts Here

Take the First Step Today

Discover how our free community testing program can transform your practice.

Schedule a Meeting—
Connect with us and learn how we can help you improve patient outcomes and stay compliant.

Together, We’ll Set a
New Standard of Care

By uniting our efforts, we can conquer the challenges of AMR and realize what once seemed impossible—the eradication of STIs. Join the movement to redefine sexual health and create a lasting legacy of excellence.

References:

[1] World Health Organization. (2020). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
[2] World Health Organization. (2019). Antibiotic resistance https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019) AR Threats Report https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/data-research/threats/index.html
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021) Gonococcal Infections https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-adults.htm
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021) Mycoplasma genitalium https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/mycoplasmagenitalium.htm

Scroll to Top