New antiviral may help in flu fight

Conclusion There are currently only two flu drugs authorised for use in the UK. As they become more widely used, flu viruses will inevitably develop resistance to them. This is particularly likely to be a problem for the more widely used Tamiflu. Research exploring new flu drugs that act in different ways could be very useful as flu can be a deadly disease, particularly in vulnerable population groups. This new research demonstrates that a new chemical has the potential to be developed into a flu drug as it was found to be similarly or more effective than Relenza at stopping the spread of the flu virus in the laboratory, including flu strains that have been resistant to the current flu drugs. The chemical was also similarly effective to Relenza at prolonging survival in mice infected with a lethal dose of flu. However, it is important to be aware that the current research into the development of a new anti-flu drug is in its very early stages. If more animal research confirms these findings, safety and effectiveness testing would be needed in humans before it is better known whether this new chemical could one day have the potential to be authorised as an anti-flu drug for use in the UK.  Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Links To The Headlines Flu drug 'shows promise' in overcoming resistance. BBC News, February 22 2013 Flu treatment forces virus to destroy itself. Metro, February 22 2013 Drug could wipe out flu for good. Da...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Medication Source Type: news