Is Tamiflu Ineffective against Avian Flu?
NEJM Says "Maybe"; Brits Say "No"
NEJM Says "Maybe"; Brits Say "No"
A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine says that Tamiflu may not be very effective in fighting avian flu [h/t to Jack]. In fact, using it might actually speed up the evolution of drug-resistant strains of the virus.
The Reaction of the Brits? As reported by Avian Flu:
The Reaction of the Brits? As reported by Avian Flu:
Today's Guardian presents the UK government's reaction to the study. Here's an excerpt:Update: The World Health Organization agrees with the Brits:
"Whilst there is some anecdotal evidence of the build-up of resistance to antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu, at present the experience is that these drugs do work and that they should work against a pandemic strain," a Department of Health spokeswoman said.
Omi also said despite findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine that showed bird flu had developed resistance to Tamiflu in two patients in Vietnam, the WHO was not changing its policy on the drug.
Category: Avian Flu Posted on
Friday, December 23, 2005 at 1:42am
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