NTM Info & Research (NTMir) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed on behalf of patients with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease for the purpose of patient support, medical education and research.

NTMir serves patients and physicians concerned with NTM. As a national organization, we can advance a broad agenda more successfully than individual institutions. Our voice is that of the patients and physicians who comprise our collective constituency.

NTMir evolved from www.ntminfo.org. This website was developed by Fern Leitman, an NTM patient, and her husband Philip.  Fern was referred to Dr. Michael Iseman at National Jewish Health in Denver, where treatment therapies succeeded in stabilizing her condition. During return visits Fern and Philip met many patients from different parts of the country, most of whom had experienced delayed diagnoses, were frightened and were often unfamiliar with many aspects of NTM disease. The website was developed to help those and other patients.

In an unanticipated response, the website generated over 2 million hits during its initial period. People logged on from 22 countries, the United States government and major institutions. There was a need to develop an organization that could speak for patients and the physicians trying to help them. NTMir is that organization.

NTMir's mission is to save and improve lives through research, education, early detection, and improved treatments for people with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease.

• Rapid Information Pilot Studies (RIPS)™, an innovative program that provides guidance about pressing research issues to secure large-scale research funding.
• Work with patient support groups who participate in the NTMir mission.
• Minimize lung damage associated with bronchiectasis and inflammation by supporting basic science, including the development of new medications, geared toward the treatment of NTM disease.
• Support multi-centered initiatives to benefit NTM patients, physicians and researchers.
• Engage patients and physicians in our goal to increase awareness of NTM among government agencies, industry, insurance companies, and laboratories.
• NTMir will provide leadership at the national level to meet all goals through inclusive collaborative efforts, education and advocacy.