About Us.
Our Mission.
Our Vision.
Our Mission
To eradicate sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We are dedicated to alleviating the suffering caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and do this through research, care, advocacy, and education.
Our Vision
To build a world where sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are eradicated, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer a threat to global health. We are committed to making this vision a reality by establishing molecular resistance testing as the standard of care, ensuring that every patient receives precise, effective treatment from the outset. This will prevent the spread of STIs and drug resistance, and improve public health worldwide.
Together, we can advance healthcare, uplift communities, and create a future free from the burden of STIs—starting today.
How We Make a Difference:
Pioneering Change for Next-Level Care
We are taking action to confront one of the greatest barriers in eradicating sexually transmitted infections (STIs): antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR is a global health crisis, responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019 1 and more than 2.8 million drug-resistant infections annually in the U.S.2. Among the most alarming concerns are antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, which are rapidly developing resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Thirty-one percent of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are resistant to ceftriaxone 3, while resistance to macrolides in Mycoplasma genitalium ranges from 44% to 90% globally 4. The need for more precise and effective solutions has never been more urgent, and we now have the technology to address the need.
At Next Lab Foundation, we refuse to accept this growing threat. We see hope—and solutions.
We are transforming STI diagnosis and treatment by prioritizing resistance testing to directly combat AMR. As the only nonprofit in the U.S. offering free molecular AMR testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, fully aligned with CDC STI treatment guidelines, we provide advanced resistance testing that detects genetic markers associated with antibiotic susceptibility and resistance. This innovative approach enables healthcare providers to determine whether a patient can be effectively treated with ceftriaxone or azithromycin. By empowering clinicians to deliver targeted, effective care, we improve patient outcomes and preserve the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics.
Through cutting-edge diagnostics, education, and policy advocacy, we strive to improve community health and make high-quality, equitable care accessible to all. Every patient we serve, every partnership we form, and every breakthrough we achieve brings us closer to eliminating the threat of STIs.
Join us at Next Lab Foundation—where optimism drives progress, and change begins
How We Drive Change:
Innovative Solutions, Lasting Impact
We are redefining STI care through research, pioneering approaches, and proactive interventions, focusing on four key pillars:
We offer Free molecular AMR testing to detect antibiotic susceptibility or resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, enabling the most effective treatment(s) and mitigate antibiotic resistance.
We provide comprehensive education and support to healthcare providers and patients, helping them navigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and adhere to CDC STI treatment guidelines. By raising awareness among both patients and providers, we foster informed decision-making and effective care for patients.
We advocate for policies that integrate molecular AMR testing as the standard of care. By gathering vital data, we aim to make these diagnostic tools accessible, affordable, and widely used. Shaping payer policies ensures AMR testing becomes a sustainable part of STI treatment, improving patient outcomes and treatment precision. It also brings broader public health benefits, such as lowering AMR rates, reducing healthcare costs, and easing the burden on healthcare systems, while promoting responsible antibiotic use.
State-of-the-art gyrA testing detects genetic markers for antibiotic susceptibility or resistance in asymptomatic Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections 5, enabling personalized treatment strategies. This allows healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective treatments—oral ciprofloxacin for susceptible strains, while preserving Ceftriaxone for resistant ones. Approximately 60% of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in the U.S. remain susceptible to ciprofloxacin 6, making it a viable treatment option when supported by antimicrobial resistance testing.
For Mycoplasma genitalium infections, a two-stage approach called Resistance-Guided Therapy (RGT) is recommended for treatment 4. This method utilizes advanced molecular technology to detect genetic mutations in the 23S rRNA gene, which are associated with macrolide resistance. Patients are initially treated with a 7-day course of doxycycline to reduce bacterial load, followed by either azithromycin for macrolide-sensitive infections or moxifloxacin for resistant cases. By adopting RGT, clinicians can make informed, targeted treatment decisions, improving cure rates to over 90%.
References:
[1] World Health Organization. (2019). Antimicrobial Resistance. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019) AR Threats Report https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/data-research/threats/index.html
[3] World Health Organization (2021) Gonorrhoea https://www.who.int/news/item/22-11-2021-gonorrhoea-antimicrobial-resistance-results-and-guidaNce-vaccine-development
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021) Mycoplasma genitalium https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/mycoplasmagenitalium.htm
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021) Gonococcal Infections https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-adults.htm
[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) Annual Report 2022 https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/gisp-profiles/index.html