New Flu Drug To Be Tested – Patients Are Needed

With flu outbreaks across the United States, many pharmacies are restocking vaccine to meet the demand. 47 States are reporting wide-spread cases of the flu virus. The vaccine is about 67% effective and if one gets the flu after the show, symptoms are milder.

A new study is also underway to test a new flu drug. At Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey, researchers are looking for flu patients to try the experimental flu treatment. Much like Tamiflu, the new drug will alleviate symptoms. It can treat strains of influenza that are resistant to Tamiflu.

Patients who will participate in the study must visit the hospital six days in a row. Some will get an oral drug, others get a placebo.

Holy Name is just one of the sites taking part in this phase of the drug test. It will take years before the drug becomes available to the public.