Larry Schlesinger, M.D., recognized by Lyda Hill Philanthropies for high-impact research targeting drug-resistant TB
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, August 20, 2026 — Texas Biomedical Research Institute has been awarded a $200,000 grant by Lyda Hill Philanthropies to advance research into new approaches for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The grant is a component of the Hill Prizes program, which recognizes and advances top Texas innovators whose high-risk, high‑reward ideas have potential for significant real‑world impact.
The funding will support research led by Dr. Larry Schlesinger, Professor, President and CEO of Texas Biomed, advancing host-directed therapies (HDTs) — treatments that work by strengthening the patient’s own immune response, rather than attacking the TB bacteria directly. The approach could help address the growing challenge of TB strains that no longer respond to existing treatments.
TB is the leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent and is responsible for over 1 million deaths each year. Drug-resistant strains pose a particular challenge, highlighting the need for new approaches to treatment. Dr. Schlesinger’s research on HDTs is exploring a way to treat TB by targeting the host as well as the pathogen.
“This grant underscores the strength of infectious disease research at Texas Biomed and the Institute’s commitment to developing innovative approaches to some of the world’s most persistent infectious disease threats,” said Dr. Schlesinger. “We are grateful to Lyda Hill Philanthropies for recognizing the potential of this work and supporting our efforts to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in infectious disease. This investment will allow us to pursue promising strategies that could ultimately lead to better treatment options for patients.”
Dr. Schlesinger’s research is supported by a team of scientists at Texas Biomed, including Eusondia Arnett, Ph.D., Laboratory Director, who is co-leading on this study.
“Current TB treatments involve a cocktail of antibiotics administered for a minimum of four to six months. In contrast to conventional antibiotics, we are developing targeted host-directed therapies, which work against drug-resistant TB and control damaging inflammation,” said Dr. Arnett. “In addition, host-directed therapies are expected to shorten treatment duration and boost the immune response, while also ameliorating lung pathology, which afflicts over 50% of TB patients post-treatment.”
With this support from Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Dr. Schlesinger’s lab will develop novel compounds and formulations to improve targeting and retention of HDTs in the lungs to help reduce the M. tuberculosis burden, inflammation and tissue destruction during active TB infection. Other contributors to the study include SwRI – Dr. Jonathan Bohmann and Christopher Dorsey, Southwest Research Institute, Dr. Stephen Safe, Texas A&M University. Dr. Hugh Smyth, The University of Texas at Austin and Dr. Mercedes Gonzalez-Juarrero, Colorado State University- Dr. Mercedes Gonzalez-Juarrero.
The Hill Prizes provide support for innovative research and award $3.5 million annually across seven primary prize categories. They also give out additional grants each cycle to advance high-impact, paradigm-shifting innovations across the state to some of the most promising proposals not selected for a primary Hill Prize. Since 2024, the Hill Prizes have funded more than $12.5 million in research in Texas. The Hill Prizes ad hoc grants extend the reach of the program, designating $1 million in funding to grant applicants that were not selected as main prize recipients. These grants provide targeted support to help advance high-impact innovations across the state.
About Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Lyda Hill Philanthropies encompasses the charitable giving for founder Lyda Hill and includes her foundation and personal philanthropy. Her organization is committed to funding transformational advances in science and nature, empowering nonprofit organizations and improving Texas and Colorado communities. Because Miss Hill has a fervent belief that “science is the answer” to many of life’s most challenging issues, she has chosen to donate the entirety of her estate to philanthropy and scientific research.
About Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Texas Biomed is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to protecting the global community from infectious diseases. Through basic research, preclinical testing and innovative partnerships, we accelerate diagnostics, therapies and vaccines for the world’s deadliest pathogens. Our San Antonio campus hosts high containment laboratories and the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Our scientists collaborate with industry and researchers globally and have helped deliver the first COVID-19 vaccine, the first Ebola treatment and the first hepatitis C therapy. For more information, please visit txbiomed.org or follow Texas Biomed on LinkedIn.