2-cyanomethyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine with isothiocyanates, nitroso compounds, acid chlorides, and thioglycolic acid were investigated. New imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives with various substituents in 2-position and derivatives of the new pyrrolo[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine ring system were synthesized. The compounds obtained were tested in vitro for their tuberculostatic activity. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT