New drugs help prevent flu, shorten common cold

Jamie Garris's cold went away much sooner after taking pleconaril, a new experimental anti-viral drug

September 27, 1999
Web posted at: 2:25 PM EDT (1825 GMT)

SAN FRANCISCO (CNN) -- A prescription drug to be introduced next month is highly effective in preventing the spread of the flu bug, according to a new study.

Relenza, a powder spray inhaled through the mouth, has already been proven to reduce the duration of a bout of flu by a day or two. The study released Sunday shows it also cuts the chances of catching the flu from an ill family member by 79 percent.

The drug is the first of a new class of anti-viral medicines that are effective against both major strains of the flu, influenza A and B.

"These drugs are a major step forward," said Dr. Frederick Hayden of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Hayden presented the latest data on Relenza at a meeting of the American Society of Microbiology on infectious diseases.

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Hayden also presented a report on a new anti-viral drug, called pleconaril, that shortens the duration of the common cold. Colds in patients who took the pill, made by ViroPharma, lasted 10 and a half days, compared to 14 days for untreated patients.

Relenza was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July. Glaxo Wellcome Inc., which makes the drug, said it will be available Friday.

As many as 50 million Americans typically come down with the flu each winter. Doctors point out that getting a flu shot is the best way to avoid getting sick, but the new drugs should be helpful if you do catch the flu.

Since many children bring home the flu bug from school or day care, the latest study was designed to determine if the drug could prevent other family members from getting sick.

The study showed 4 percent of those in families treated with Relenza came down with the flu, compared with 19 percent in the untreated families. The study also found that Relenza helped those who did get the flu. Flu symptoms typically lasted three days in Relenza-treated families, compared with six days for those not taking the drug.

Relenza will be the first of a new class of flu medicines, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, to hit the market. A similar medicine in pill form is expected to be approved soon.

A new study indicates pleconaril, taken as a pill, shortens the length of moderate to severe colds

The one drawback to the medications is that they have to be taken within the first day or two of the onset of symptoms to be effective. Most people don't call the doctor at the first sign of the flu, which means they may not start the medicine in time.

Hayden said drug companies will have to convince doctors and patients to react more quickly to signs of flu. He said doctors may need to be willing to prescribe the drugs over the phone, without seeing the patient, if the patient is complaining of flu-like symptoms.

Correspondent Rhonda Rowland and The Associated Press contributed to this report.