Targeted failure of the week. Post No 143. Tamiflu.

Flu drug Tamiflu is not as effective as Roche has made it out to be, a Cochrane Collaboration and BMJ review has concluded.

On the positive side, the antiviral was found to shorten symptoms of influenza by half a day and, when used as a preventative treatment, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) reduced the risk of people suffering from flu symptoms.

However, the Cochrane and BMJ review also found “there is no good evidence to support claims that it reduces admissions to hospital or complications of influenza”. In addition, “it is unproven that it can stop people carrying the influenza virus and spreading it to others”.

From here: http://www.pharmatimes.com/Article/14-04-10/Tamiflu_fails_to_support_its_scientific_claims_review_finds.aspx