SMARTANALYST, Inc. Reports On Common Misperceptions About Popular Flu Medication

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Respiratory / Asthma;  Public Health
Article Date: 30 Apr 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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SMARTANALYST, Inc., a pioneer in providing global strategic research and analytics solutions to Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies has discovered, based on therapeutic area analysis, a critical lack of information and communication to the general public on the treatment options for the current H1N1 flu, also known as the misnamed "Swine Flu" outbreak.

The most basic misconception is that, unlike influenza vaccines which are preventative, medications recommended to combat the current flu outbreak, Tamiflu by Roche and Relenza by GSK are used for symptom control. This treatment means that these medications manage the symptoms and offer relief more rapidly than if the virus is left untreated. However, neither of these medications are designed to prevent or cure the illness.

According to Manu Bammi, CEO of SMARTANALYST, "It is important for both consumers and patients to really understand what their treatment options are. Too often, in the rush to get information out, particularly when faced with a public health emergency, people don't take the time to understand the distinctions between treatment and prevention."

In addition, while these medications are designed for symptom relief and control, their effectiveness varies in accordance with the strain of influenza. This "swine flu" is a type of Influenza A, which is an H1N1 virus strain. Therefore, treatment options should be sought out that will most effectively manage this virus.

In December 2008, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a special advisory noting potential resistance to Tamiflu during the initial phase of the 2008/2009 influenza season. This advisory was based on the fact that there are various strains of influenza which could require treatment specific to their composition. 98% of Influenza A virus strains showed resistance to Tamiflu this season (2008/2009) compared to only 11% last year (2007/2008). With each flu season, viruses change and mutate, therefore the effectiveness of each drug treatment varies greatly.

"There is never one vaccine that fits all outbreaks," said Marc Rovner, Managing Director of SMARTANALYST. "Strains are always changing, and sometimes, when you formulate a vaccine for a seasonal outbreak, it is often easy to miss all the strains. It is like the Heisenberg Principle in vaccine formulation. The attempts to create cures can cause changes themselves over time."

Source
SMARTANALYST, Inc.

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

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