A New Flu Drug

US scientists have recently discovered a new type of drug that can stop flu virus strains. It will permanently stop enzyme on the virus's surface. In mice, the drug was found to work on flu viruses that weren't affected by flu antivirals on the market. The WHO (World Health Organization) believes that 3 to 5 million people suffer from the influenza every year. The reason for the new drug research is people are beginning to build up a resistance to flu drugs like Relenza and Tamiflu. In some countries, the drug is available to take before you even catch the flu.

The team of scientists developed a compound that attaches to an enzyme called neuraminidase and permanently blocks it from working. This enzyme is used by the virus to sever the connection between the cell and the virus so the it can go on and infect other cells. The new drug, officially called DFSAs, permanently bind the enzyme to stop it from spreading to other drugs. The drug is special because, unlike other drugs, you cannot become resistant to it. Test in mice show that it works many resistant flu strains. Professor Steve Withers of the University of British Columbia stated that the drug is "like a broken key, stuck in a lock, rendering it useless." According to Dr. Andrew Watts though, it could be a while, maybe 7 years, before the drug hit the markets.

 

 I think this is a great idea. Every year, millions of people are affected by the flu. In January, I had to his school for two days because of the flu. If scientists can make a drug that stops the virus, it could really bring those numbers done. I think it is great when scientist discover new methods, medicines, or procedures for eliminating diseases and sicknesses. The flu is a really hard sick to get over, I know from personal experience. I was able to go back to school after two days but was out of basketball for a week and a half because I never felt fully 100%. When I first saw this article, I was almost excited to see something like this. It is really cool to see something that is a step forward in the medical field. It means that someday, everyone will have the chance to live healthy, long lives and not be having to face the flu every flu season.. It also is a great alternative to having to get a vaccine. In the past, I, like many other people, have gotten the flu after get a shot for it. It is annoying because it is suppose to help you become immune to it. Now, with this new development, people don't need to worry about having the flu for long or not even getting it. I think this article was very informative a I can't wait to see where the new flu drug goes.

 

Source:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21531550