June 17, 2025 (Novato, CA) – In a significant victory for eczema patients and thanks to the advocacy of National Eczema Association (NEA) Ambassadors, eczema has been included as an eligible condition for funding under the Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) for Fiscal Year 2025. This decision, made by Congress, will pave the way for much-needed eczema research.
This is the first time since Fiscal Year 2023 that eczema has been eligible for this crucial funding source. Kristin Belleson, NEA CEO, states that “this accomplishment would not have been possible without the tireless advocacy of NEA Ambassadors and grassroots advocates.” Ambassadors met with members of Congress during NEA’s annual Virtual Hill Day and throughout the year to make the case for increased funding opportunities for eczema research.
NEA Ambassador Jiwon Park shared that she “is thrilled to see eczema once again included in the PRMRP. As someone who lives with this condition, Jiwon strongly believes in the power of research –noting that “it’s the key to unlocking better treatments and a brighter future for patients living with eczema.”
The Department of Defense’s PRMRP funding opens the door for groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatments and critical discoveries in eczema. By investing in innovation, this program aims to advance scientific understanding of eczema, accelerate progress toward improved care, and ultimately enhance the health and well-being of both service members and the millions of individuals affected by eczema across the United States. However, this investment is at risk with the recent funding cut. NEA stakeholders urge Congress to restore the program to its $370 million funding level and ensure eczema remains included in Fiscal Year 2026.