According to the study investigators, virtually all clinical isolates of seasonal influenza in 2009 have been found to be resistant to either the adamantanes or oseltamivir. They caution that the development of resistance to currently recommended therapies may undermine their utility. While currently limited in scope, the first cases of multi-drug resistant novel influenza A/H1N1 flu are also now being reported and will need to be addressed.

"Drug resistant seasonal influenza and emerging cases of multi-drug resistant novel influenza A/H1N1 virus are creating an immediate need for alternative strategies to currently available antiviral therapies," said Gregory Went, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Adamas. "The impact to the healthcare system as a result of increased admissions for those with serious flu is exacerbated during a pandemic so we believe our work is very timely. "

The CDC and WHO recommend the use of antiviral drugs for treating serious cases of influenza infection. Antiviral drugs that are both potent and effective against drug-resistant strains also may be important for limiting transmission of the swine flu virus during the pandemic.

Source: adamaspharma