Valley Fever Treatment Coming?

The BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona (UA) has announced that a promising treatment for valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) has received Orphan Drug Status from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The 1983 Orphan Drug Act allows the federal government to assist in the development of treatment for rare (orphan) diseases, which according to the FDA, are diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people a year. Though rare in the rest of the country, valley fever is a serious health problem in Southwest, with approximately 150,000 new infections each year. Valley fever is a lung disease caused by fungal spores found in soil. Learn more about advancements in the life sciences at the 2nd Annual Commercializing Arizona Life Sciences Forum April 20th - 21st at the Phoenix Airport Marriott. For complete details visit AZ Tech.