Report calls for more research into use of neuraminidase inhibitors such as Tamiflu in pandemics

A report has called for more research into the use of neuraminidase inhibitors during an influenza pandemic, with particular interest in hospitalized patients and high-risk groups.

The report, published by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Wellcome Trust and commissioned by the UK’s Department of Health, focused on Tamiflu (oseltamivir) from Roche (ROG: SIX) and GlaxoSmithKline’s (LSE: GSK) Relenza (zanamivir).

The report was mainly based on evidence from seasonal influenza outbreaks, and concluded that the neuraminidase inhibitors can lead to a reduction in duration of symptoms by between 14 and 17 hours. It also concluded that antivirals can significantly reduce deaths in hospitalized patients, especially in those who started treatment within 48 hours of symptoms beginning.