From all that I have read, the action of both Tamiflu and Relenza are the same. They both bind to Neuraminidase to prevent release of the virus from infected cells. There appears to be reliable evidence that H5N1 resistance to Tamiflu has emerged.
However, Relenza has not been tested against H5N1 and while some believe that the 'better fit" of the Relenza inhibitor to Neuraminidase will prevent resistance, I would not like to bet the farm on it - no evidence to prove either way at the moment.
Relenza certainly is not the answer to bird flu or regular flu but it may help if governments and health services can come up with workable strategies to slow down any emerging pandemic until a vaccine can be developed.
Both Tamiflu and Relenza are the first generation of this type of drug. It is highly likely that more effective drugs will be developed in the near future given the publicity that H5N1 is getting at the moment. I hope for BTAs sake that LANI is the next to come out.
Cheers
Mick
BTA Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Not Held
