Merced Times

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative John Duarte (CA-13) and a bipartisan group of his colleagues have called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prioritize research into coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever. In a joint effort, Representatives David Valadao (CA-22), Michelle Steel (CA-45), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), David Schweikert (AZ-1), and Jim Costa (CA-21) joined Rep. Duarte in sending a letter to Commissioner Robert Califf, advocating for the inclusion of Valley Fever in the list of tropical diseases eligible for a Priority Review Voucher (PRV).

"I am proud to lead a letter with both my Democrat and Republican colleagues urging Commissioner Califf to add Valley Fever to the Food and Drug Administration’s Priority Review Voucher program. Valley Fever is a public health threat and it’s vital that we invest in finding effective treatments and preventative measures for it. By obtaining this designation, we can expedite research efforts into the disease and protect thousands of Californians, including my constituents in the Valley, from this severe and, at times, fatal disease," stated Rep. Duarte.

The push to include Valley Fever in the PRV program aims to incentivize the development of treatments and preventive measures for the disease, which poses a significant health risk, particularly in regions like California. The designation would not only accelerate research initiatives but also enhance the ability to safeguard individuals from the severe and potentially life-threatening effects of Valley Fever.

The bipartisan effort underscores the importance of addressing Valley Fever as a pressing public health concern, highlighting the need for collaborative action to combat the disease effectively. By advocating for this critical designation, the representatives are working towards advancing research efforts that could have a profound impact on the health and well-being of communities affected by Valley Fever.