Giuseppe
Emeritus
UK's NICE backs selected use of flu drugs [Reuters]
UK's NICE backs selected use of flu drugs
Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:36am EDT
LONDON, Sept 24 (Reuters) -
Britain's cost-effectiveness watchdog NICE has recommended the use of antiviral medications to fight flu in certain circumstances but stressed they should not be a substitute for flu vaccines.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence said on Wednesday that Roche's (ROG.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Tamiflu and GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Relenza should be given to at-risk groups not effectively protected by vaccination, once it is determined that the influenza virus has begun circulating.
NICE decides which treatments are made available under the state-funded National Health Service.
The latest recommendation is an update to earlier guidance.
(Reporting by Ben Hirschler; editing by Hans Peters)
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<cite cite="http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssHealthcareNews/idUSLO72700520080924">UK's NICE backs selected use of flu drugs | Industries | Healthcare | Reuters</cite>Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:36am EDT
LONDON, Sept 24 (Reuters) -
Britain's cost-effectiveness watchdog NICE has recommended the use of antiviral medications to fight flu in certain circumstances but stressed they should not be a substitute for flu vaccines.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence said on Wednesday that Roche's (ROG.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Tamiflu and GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Relenza should be given to at-risk groups not effectively protected by vaccination, once it is determined that the influenza virus has begun circulating.
NICE decides which treatments are made available under the state-funded National Health Service.
The latest recommendation is an update to earlier guidance.
(Reporting by Ben Hirschler; editing by Hans Peters)
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