UK needs clear policy for antiviral use in flu pandemic
If an influenza pandemic were to start tomorrow, the UK would be one
of the best prepared countries in the world, but it would still be in
a “mess”, Lord Broers said at the launch of a House of Lords
report
into pandemic influenza last week.
The Government needs to develop a clear policy on the use of antiviral
drugs in the event of an influenza pandemic and revise its purchasing
policy accordingly, he said. Regulatory barriers around research also
need addressing, he added.“What medical researchers learnt in the
first weeks of a pandemic could save lives as the disease spreads —
but if researchers have to spend months talking to ethical clearance committees
the chance will be missed.”
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, which produced the
report and was chaired by Lord Broers, also called for stronger cross-departmental
leadership from the top of government and clearer guidance for frontline
health staff.
In addition, the committee heard from Roche about the patient group direction
it has developed to allow pharmacists to supply oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
in the event of an influenza epidemic.
Tamiflu safety review
No changes are needed to the safety information for oseltamivir (Tamiflu),
the European Medicines Agency has concluded following its review of
data relating to serious psychiatric disorders (PJ,
26 November, p654). |
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