ousia's update: half year results, page-15

Khaliter,

My (layman's) understanding is that "tissue penetrability" means that Tamiflu "penetrates all the tissues" as it is administered systemically (you have pointed this out) and this form of absorption has the possibility of having more side effects.

Relenza on the other hand is administered locally at the site of the infection and therefore was thought to have less side effects and less possibility of sparking resistance.

The resistance question was recently clarified by a Japanese study of children who were infected by ordinary influenza and were treated with Relenza.

It appears that there is an incidence of mutation conferring resistance.

Also, you may have misunderstood this virus. If it gets past the lungs, it penetrates all the organs - it's been found in the liver, brain etc..and brings about a speedy general collapse as the body's immune system starts fighting it on all fronts.

(Sir) Lunchalot