# 3407
One of our concerns has been with the novel H1N1 virus is, that like its seasonal flu cousin, it could pick up resistance to oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
Seasonal H1N1 went from almost 100% sensitive to the drug, to nearly 100% resistant, in a little over a year.
Tamiflu is currently one of just two antiviral drugs in our arsenal that work against this pandemic virus. Losing it, and having to rely on Relenza (zanamirvir) alone, would constitute a major problem.
Not only are our stockpiles of Relenza much smaller, it is an inhaled powder, that is difficult for many people in respiratory difficulties to take.
A couple of hours ago Dutchy on Flutrackers posted a Danish news article, translated to English, with this cryptic story.
caution - google translated
Dane resistant to Tamiflu
29. June 2009
The first case in the world of resistance to influenza drug Tamiflu in people with influenza H1N1 has been found in Denmark.
The person is now healthy, and there is no further evidence of infection with resistant virus, according to Statens Serum Institut.
In the ensuing two hours we’ve received several confirmations of this report, including this Reuter’s Report.
Roche finds 1st case of H1N1 resistance to Tamiflu
Mon Jun 29, 2009
.
(Adds details)
ZURICH, June 29 (Reuters) - A patient with H1N1 influenza in Denmark showed resistance to Roche Holding AG's (ROG.VX) Tamiflu, the main antiviral flu drug, a company executive said on Monday.
"While receiving the drug, the patient appeared to develop resistance to it," David Reddy, Roche's pandemic taskforce leader, told reporters on a conference call on the Danish case. "This is the first report we have of it in H1N1."
The World Health Organisation has raised its pandemic flu alert on the H1N1 flu virus to phase 6 on a six-point scale, indicating the first influenza pandemic since 1968 is under way.
Common seasonal flu can resist Tamiflu and Reddy said a case of resistance in H1N1 was not unexpected, adding Roche has been working on strategies to counter such a development.
While the discovery of one case of Tamiflu resistance is worrisome (although hardly unexpected), it doesn’t mean that Tamiflu is no longer an effective treatment for this pandemic virus.
For now at least, in the vast majority of cases, Tamiflu appears to remain effective in reducing the severity of novel H1N1 symptoms (it isn’t a cure).
This is, however, a not-too-subtle reminder of how quickly an influenza virus can change.
Scientists will be watching closely to see if additional cases of resistance begin to show up.
For now though, this appears to be an isolated case.
