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The combination of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), amantadine (Symmetrel) and ribavirin have been proved to have the potential for preventing flu-virus growth, says Mark Prichard, University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) virologist.
"These findings suggest strongly that the triple combo is highly synergistic against virus replication, meaning it strikes multiple targets within the H1N1 flu and other strains," Prichard says.
"Only human testing will determine for sure, but this combo has the potential to be the antiviral therapy of choice for serious flu infection and to address Tamiflu resistance," adds Prichard. The synergy was visible for all seasonal flu strains, H1N1, H3N2 as well as H5N1 avian influenza strains.
“Because flu infection typically lasts for shorter periods of time than many other chronic infections, this anti-viral approach means the circulating strains of flu virus may not have time to develop resistance to the combo”, Prichard says.
"That's why this research is so timely, and why antiviral safety and testing data is crucial. If this triple combo could reduce the impact on families and the health care system that comes from serious flu cases, we would be thrilled."
The details on the dosage and timing of combo have not been disclosed by Adamas Pharmaceuticals, which plans to kick off testing the drug in North America after the FDA approves the same.
Prichard presented his data in September at the annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in San Francisco.
