title: “New Valley Fever drug developed at University of Arizona shows promise; vaccine still ahead” url: “https://www.kold.com/2026/10/29/new-valley-fever-drug-developed-university-arizona-shows-promise-vaccine-still-ahead/” author: “Brooke Wagner”

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A new drug developed at the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence could be a game changer for severe cases of Valley Fever.

Researcher Dr. Fariba Donovan, associate professor at the U of A’s College of Medicine, says the drug, Olorofim, appears to actually kill the fungus, while traditional treatments only keep it from growing.

“I have a few patients on that medication alone, and they are doing great,” Donovan said.

Olorofim is in its second clinical trial, with hopes to move toward FDA review this year. Donovan said it has fewer side effects and minimal drug interactions. It would represent the first new class of antifungal drugs in more than 20 years.

“Once we have it on the market, I guarantee this medication will save a lot of lives,” she said.

Valley Fever is a non-contagious fungal infection spread by breathing in dust in dry soil. The Tucson-Phoenix corridor accounts for two-thirds of reported cases.

About 60% of people exposed never develop symptoms, but up to 5% develop severe disease spreading to the brain, bones or skin, sometimes requiring lifelong treatment. Symptoms mimic flu, cold or COVID — fever, aches, night sweats. Donovan advises getting tested if antibiotics aren’t helping in the second week.

Banner Urgent Care now tests all apparent pneumonia patients for Valley fever.

A vaccine is close to approval for dogs, which develop severe cases more often. Human or primate trials could follow. Endemic areas have expanded to include Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Washington state.

An estimated 300,000 cases occur per year, with about 1,000 deaths.

To reduce risk when around construction or gardening, Donovan advises wetting soil or wearing an N-95 mask.

Hear the full interview in the Danger in the Dust podcast on HERE and Spotify.

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