The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7487 p110
2 February 2008

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Tamiflu resistance identified

Resistance to oseltamivir has been discovered in some 13 per cent of influenza A (H1N1) viruses in Europe, according to the Health Protection Agency this week.

The findings, from preliminary surveillance that took place in November and December last year, apply to just one of the three different flu viruses circulating in Europe this winter. This particular strain remains sensitive to both zanamavir and amantadine.

The HPA reports that in the UK only a small proportion of H1N1 flu has shown resistance to oseltamivir — two out of 75 samples tested by the agency.

The HPA believes that it is too early to judge what clinical significance the finding could have and says that there is no need to change National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance on the use of oseltamivir.