A quick test to diagnose Valley Fever
Official title: A Point-of-Care Test for Rapid Diagnosis of Valley Fever
Funded at Cactus Bio, LLC · NIH-10759985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick test for Valley Fever that can give you results in just 10 minutes, so doctors can diagnose and start treating you right away instead of waiting up to two weeks for lab results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cactus Bio, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $243,118 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI179331-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10759985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms in endemic areas where Valley Fever is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in endemic areas or those who do not exhibit respiratory symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid point-of-care test for Valley Fever, a respiratory disease caused by a fungus found in desert soil. The test aims to provide results in just 10 minutes, allowing for immediate diagnosis and treatment decisions. Currently, diagnosing Valley Fever can take up to two weeks, as it typically requires sending blood samples to a laboratory for analysis. By using a specific antigen from the fungus, the test will detect antibodies in patients, making it easier for healthcare providers to identify the disease quickly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the time it takes to diagnose Valley Fever, leading to faster treatment and better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, indicating that this approach could be successful.
Where this research is happening
-
Cactus Bio, LLC
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grill, Francisca — Cactus Bio, LLC
- Study coordinator: Grill, Francisca
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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A New Model for Valley Fever: Studying Coccidioides Infection with Volatile Clues in Wax Moths
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-
Understanding Guanarito virus and building countermeasures for Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.