(activity expressed as "50% inhibitory capacity in nanomoles" : IC50 nM, on H5N1)
Zanamivir : 0.57 +/- 0.46
Oseltamivir : 0.33 +/- 0.19
Peramivir* : 0.37 +/- 0.26
* Peramivir is in clinical trials. It is used by IM or IV route. Oseltamivir is oral, and Zanamivir inhaled.
From : Hurt, A.C. et al., Susceptibility of highly pathogenic A (H5N1) avian influenza viruses to the neuramidinase inhibitors and adamantanes, Antivir. Res. (2006), doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2006. 10.004
- A few vaccines are in clinical trials. They are called "pre-pandemic" and target today's H5N1. We cannot be sure that they address a pandemic virus that does not exist yet. They allow manufacturers to improve their preparedness, their speed of production (antigens from cell cultures, DNA vaccines), and to build up antigen sparing approaches (squalene derivatives, immunostimulant patches, etc.)
- Hygiene : frequent handwashing, coughing must avoid contaminating third parties, a mask is a very good policy to protect oneself and the others
