Clinical study of flu inhibitor

Peninsula Medical Centre will take part in a global clinical study on an investigational medication for seasonal influenza.

The clinical study is being conducted throughout 22 study centres across Australia and New Zealand.

Peninsula Medical Centre's principal investigator Dr Michael Crookes said local residents are being called upon to participate in the clinical research.

"It is hoped that the research will help shed light on new ways to minimise the impact of the disease on Australian communities," Dr Crookes said.

"Last year's outbreaks highlighted that influenza can be a very serious disease.

The multi-country study will test a new type of neuraminidase inhibitor.

Neuraminidase inhibitors treat influenza by preventing the release of viral particles to infect new host cells.

By blocking the neuraminidase molecule, which is essential in the virus spreading around the body and is found on the surface of the viruses, neuraminidase inhibitors not only stop the influenza virus from spreading within the infected person's body, but also from person to person.

This can help minimise the spread of influenza within the community.

Dr Crookes said in order to be eligible to participate in the study, people must be 18 years and over and have been experiencing influenza-like symptoms for less than 36 hours.

All qualified participants receive study-related care and study treatments at no cost and participants will receive compensation for travel time associated with their participation.

"Influenza symptoms resemble those of a cold- but are much more sudden and severe.

"Influenza is usually characterised by a sudden onset of debilitating symptoms, which include fever, head and body aches, fatigue, sore throat and cough.

"Influenza can be a serious disease, but it can often be treated if diagnosed in time.

"This is really a complete mind shift from how influenza has traditionally been treated.

"Conventionally, we recommended that patients with influenza rested in bed, kept well hydrated and potentially took some paracetamol to bring down the fever."

Annually, influenza causes 2500 deaths, 15,000 hospitalisations and 80,000 GP visits in Australia every year, he said.

The majority of influenza infections occur between July and September, however, in the far north of Australia influenza outbreaks can occur earlier in the year.

For more information, contact the Peninsula Medical Centre on 4341 1844.

Press release, August 19 2008 Hayley Dowling, Burson-Marsteller