SKM Instruments Wins NIH SBIR Award to Tackle Drug-Resistant Lung Infections with Breakthrough Rapid Test

Laramie, WY – SKM Instruments has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the CDC Global Health Center, NIH to develop a groundbreaking diagnostic technology aimed at one of the fastest-growing infectious disease threats: nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections.

NTM lung infections are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, affecting millions of people around the globe and rising every year. These infections are often resistant to multiple antibiotics, leaving patients with limited and lengthy treatment options. Current diagnostics can take weeks, delaying critical care and worsening patient outcomes.

SKM’s solution changes that equation. By harnessing the power of nanotechnology and Raman spectroscopy, the company is building a rapid test to identify antibiotic resistance in NTM infections - helping physicians choose the right treatment faster, saving time, resources, and potentially lives.

Together with Dr. Bledar Bisha, Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming and Dr. Charles Daley, Chief of the Division of Mycobacterial & Respiratory Infections at National Jewish Health, the team will be combining expertise in infectious diseases, diagnostics, and spectroscopy to tackle one of healthcare’s critical emerging challenges.

“This SBIR award is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision,” said Dr. Keith Carron, CEO of SKM Instruments. “NTM infections are a growing and underappreciated public health crisis. With support from the CDC Global Health Center, we’re developing technology that could transform how these infections are diagnosed and treated—bringing hope to patients who desperately need faster answers.”

About SKM Instruments

Based in Laramie, Wyoming, SKM Instruments is a technology startup developing innovative Raman and optical instrumentation to solve real-world problems in healthcare diagnostics, pharma and manufacturing quality control. The company’s mission is to make advanced tools accessible, impactful, and transformative for both clinicians and industry.

Learn More

Come see the technologies we’re building at www.skminst.com, follow us on LinkedIn, or reach out directly at info@skminst.com to explore collaborations.