Study questions effectiveness of flu drugs

A new study raises doubts about the effectiveness of major flu drugs, particularly those being stockpiled to fight an avian flu outbreak. The report, which appears in the British medical journal The Lancet today, argues that the older generation of influenza drugs (rimantadine and amantadine) has largely lost its effectiveness. Lead author Dr. Tom Jefferson warns that newer drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza are likely to become less useful if they are used to fight seasonal influenza. Jefferson and his colleagues at the Cochrane Vaccines Field, an evaluation group, recommend stockpiling both drugs in the event to guard against a possible pandemic.

- see this article from The Guardian

ALSO: The FDA granted Biocryst fast-track approval for its flu drug Peramavir. The much-hyped drug is considered a potential competitor for Tamiflu. Article

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