Valley Fever Solutions Team

Expertise leading the way

At Valley Fever Solutions, we are driven by a dedicated team with a shared mission: to conquer Valley Fever and develop innovative antifungal solutions. Our team’s expertise and proven track record position us at the forefront of this critical endeavor.

A Life Dedicated to Conquering Fungal Diseases

Fungi, those pervasive yet often unseen enemies, have long been a thorn in the side of human health. New fungi are emerging, and are tougher to kill or control. The VFS journey began with a desire to fight infection and improve lives.


In 2020 the company developed a novel drug delivery method to dramatically improve drug effect and patient convenience. This work continues to resonate, with grateful dog owners, citations in scientific publications and anticipation in the medical community. But research isn’t just about discoveries; it’s about tackling practical challenges.
By improving the formulation of this antifungal drug, we not only make it more potent but also easier for patient compliance.

Our focus has remained firmly on fungal diseases

Dr. Larwood’s recent Ph.D. studies explored the potential of brilacidin, a promising weapon against various pathogens including Valley Fever.

For several years, VFS has co-led a team on a mission to conquer coccidioidomycosis, the dreaded valley fever. Together, we secured $7 million in NIH funding and advanced development of Nikkomycin Z (NikZ), a promising antifungal compound. Dr. Larwood’s 2020 review on NikZ therapy has received over 37 citations.

The Core Team

David Larwood, Ph.D., JD, MBA CEO/CSO/Founder

  • Extensive Pharmaceutical Experience: Extensive Pharmaceutical Experience; David brings over 27 years of experience as a CEO and VP, leading successful ventures for 17 years in pharmaceuticals. His background includes pioneering work in PEGylation, a foundational tool in modern drug development, and the first synthesis of an X-ray contrast agent used for decades.
  • Manufacturing Expertise: David spearheaded the development of NikZ’s updated manufacturing process, ensuring scalability and production capabilities to meet future demands.

John Galgiani, M.D., Founder:

  • Leading Authority on Valley Fever: Dr. Galgiani is widely recognized as a premiere expert on Valley Fever, with over 250 scientific publications., most focused on this disease. His dedication spans decades, encompassing leadership roles in numerous clinical trials and the establishment of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona.
  • Unparalleled Network: Dr. Galgiani’s extensive network within the Valley Fever research community facilitates collaboration and expedites the development of NikZ.

A powerful synergy

Dr. Larwood’s pharmaceutical acumen and manufacturing expertise, combined with Dr. Galgiani’s unparalleled knowledge of Valley Fever, create a powerful synergy. This leadership team possesses the ideal skillset to navigate the complexities of drug development and bring Nikkomycin Z to the public.

Valley Fever Solutions – Key Milestones 

Pre-clinical development:

  • Discovery of Nikkomycin Z’s mechanism of action targeting chitin synthase in fungal cells
  • Demonstration of NikZ’s effectiveness against various fungal strains, including many resistant to current medications
  • 100% survival rates observed in pre-clinical models forof systemic infection with:
    • Candida albicans
    • Coccidioides (valley fever) infection, particularly for the most severe, including brain
    • Aspergillus fumigatus (in combination with other antifungal drugs)
  • Observation of minimal toxicity of NikZ towards mammalian cells in pre-clinical studies
  • Improved manufacturing at multi-kilogram scale, ready to advance to commercial scale

2024

  • Plenary talk: NikZ essentially eliminates Valley Fever in dogs with mild and severe Valley Fever, Coccidioidomycosis Study Group 68th annual conference.

2023

  • Valley Fever Solutions presents at Biotech Showcase on results using improved NikZ formulation
  • Animal testing shows NikZ value in treating Candida auris, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus
  • Articles: NIKZ. Suppresses systemic Candida albicans in mice, also powerful effect synergistic combinations against Candida albicans in vitro

2021-2022

  • Continue animal studies of NikZ against various infections, particularly valley fever in the brains of mice (NikZ sterilized this – superior to all known therapies)
  • Enroll select dogs with severe valley fever to take NikZ by new protocol
  • Significant grant from Valley Fever Americas Foundation.

2020

  • FDA Workshop – Advances and the Promise of Nikkomycin Z.
  • John Galgiani, MD, discusses the history and promise of NikZ.
  • David Larwood discusses the development and plans for NikZ
  • Panel discussion highlights the importance of a VF drug candidate also impacting a large disease class (Candida, Aspergillus).

2019

  • Large grant from Valley Fever Americas Foundation.
  • Initial collaboration with the California Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) testing our improved NikZ oral dosing method
  • Spread dosing to eliminate several fungal diseases in animal models as the basis for 4 science publications through 2023

2015-2017

  • Ongoing development of NikZ with improved manufacturing development.

2014

  • Featured presentation at NIH/CDC/Bakersfield Valley Fever Symposium
  • $2.5M NIH grant to advance development of NikZ

2013

  • First of ten annual presentations at Biotech Showcase during the key “JP Morgan Conference” week in San Francisco
  • Increased public awareness of Valley Fever with media coverage (Deadly Dust – KVIE broadcast, New Yorker Article).
  • First grant from Valley Fever Americas Foundation.

2009 – 2010

  • Collaboration with University of Arizona completing human safety trials of NikZ
  • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) $3M NIH RC3 grant to develop an improved method of making NikZ

2007

  • Valley Fever Solutions is founded by David Larwood and John Galgiani with Board Member Robert Assenzo, a retired “big pharma” executive.

Looking ahead

  • Phase 2a Proof of Concept Trial plans in progress:
    • Targeting patients with unmet needs (non-responsive to current treatments, early intervention).
    • Seeking support (funding) to conduct the trial.
    • Potential collaboration with NIH for expedited development.