The Tamiflu fiasco and lessons learnt

Fighting the flu: a brief review on anti-influenza agents

The influenza virus causes one of the most prevalent and lethal infectious viral diseases of the respiratory system; the disease progression varies from acute self-limiting mild fever to disease chronicity and death. Although both the preventive and treatment measures have been vital in protecting humans against seasonal epidemics or sporadic pandemics, there are several challenges to curb the influenza virus such as limited or poor cross-protection against circulating virus strains, moderate protection in immune-compromised patients, and rapid emergence of resistance. Currently, there are four US-FDA-approved anti-influenza drugs to treat flu infection, viz. Rapivab, Relenza, Tamiflu, and Xofluza. These drugs are classified based on their mode of action against the viral replication cycle with the first three being Neuraminidase inhibitors, and the fourth one targeting the viral polymerase. The emergence of the drug-resistant strains of influenza, however, underscores the need for continuous innovation towards development and discovery of new anti-influenza agents with enhanced antiviral effects, greater safety, and improved tolerability. Here in this review, we highlighted commercially available antiviral agents besides those that are at different stages of development including under clinical trials, with a brief account of their antiviral mechanisms.

Evaluation of Oseltamivir Used to Prevent Hospitalization in Outpatients With Influenza: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

Despite widespread use, summary evidence from prior meta-analyses has contradictory conclusions regarding whether oseltamivir decreases the risk of hospitalization when given to outpatients. Several large investigator-initiated randomized clinical trials have not yet been meta-analyzed.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of oseltamivir in preventing hospitalization among influenza-infected adult and adolescent outpatients.

Data Sources

PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Europe PubMed Central, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry were searched from inception to January 4, 2022.

Study Selection

Included studies were randomized clinical trials comparing oseltamivir vs placebo or nonactive controls in outpatients with confirmed influenza infection.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed. Two independent reviewers (R.H. and É.B.C.) extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Each effect size was pooled using a restricted maximum likelihood random effects model. The quality of evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hospitalization was pooled as risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) estimates with 95% CIs.

Results

Of 2352 studies identified, 15 were included. The intention-to-treat infected (ITTi) population was comprised of 6166 individuals with 54.7% prescribed oseltamivir. Across study populations, 53.9% (5610 of 10 471) were female and the mean age was 45.3 (14.5) years. Overall, oseltamivir was not associated with reduced risk of hospitalization within the ITTi population (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.48 to 1.29; RD, -0.17%; 95% CI, -0.23% to 0.48%). Oseltamivir was also not associated with reduced hospitalization in older populations (mean age ≥65 years: RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.21 to 4.90) or in patients considered at greater risk of hospitalization (RR, 0.65; 0.33 to 1.28). Within the safety population, oseltamivir was associated with increased nausea (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.82) and vomiting (RR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.63) but not serious adverse events (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.46 to1.08).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis among influenza-infected outpatients, oseltamivir was not associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization but was associated with increased gastrointestinal adverse events. To justify continued use for this purpose, an adequately powered trial in a suitably high-risk population is justified.

Increased α-2,6 sialic acid on microglia in amyloid pathology is resistant to oseltamivir

Terminal sialic acid residues are present on most glycoproteins and glycolipids, but levels of sialylation are known to change in the brain throughout the lifespan as well as during disease. Sialic acids are important for numerous cellular processes including cell adhesion, neurodevelopment, and immune regulation as well as pathogen invasion into host cells. Neuraminidase enzymes, also known as sialidases, are responsible for removal of terminal sialic acids in a process known as desialylation. Neuraminidase 1 (Neu1) cleaves the α-2,6 bond of terminal sialic acids. Aging individuals with dementia are often treated with the antiviral medication oseltamivir, which is associated with induction of adverse neuropsychiatric side effects; this drug inhibits both viral and mammalian Neu1. The present study tested whether a clinically relevant antiviral dosing regimen of oseltamivir would disrupt behavior in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease amyloid pathology or wild-type littermates. While oseltamivir treatment did not impact mouse behavior or modify amyloid plaque size or morphology, a novel spatial distribution of α-2,6 sialic acid residues was discovered in 5XFAD mice that was not present in wild-type littermates. Further analyses revealed that α-2,6 sialic acid residues were not localized the amyloid plaques but instead localized to plaque-associated microglia. Notably, treatment with oseltamivir did not alter α-2,6 sialic acid distribution on plaque-associated microglia in 5XFAD mice which may be due to downregulation of Neu1 transcript levels in 5XFAD mice. Overall, this study suggests that plaque-associated microglia are highly sialylated and are resistant to change with oseltamivir, thus interfering with microglia immune recognition of and response to amyloid pathology.

Breakthrough of glycobiology in the 21st century

As modern medicine began to emerge at the turn of the 20th century, glycan-based therapies advanced. DNA- and protein-centered therapies became widely available. The research and development of structurally defined carbohydrates have led to new tools and methods that have sparked interest in the therapeutic applications of glycans. One of the latest omics disciplines to emerge in the contemporary post-genomics age is glycomics. In addition, to providing hope for patients and people with different health conditions through a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of common complex diseases, this new specialty in system sciences has much to offer to communities involved in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics in medicine and life sciences.This review focuses on recent developments that have pushed glycan-based therapies into the spotlight in medicine and the technologies powering these initiatives, which we can take as the most significant success of the 21st century.

Breakthrough of glycobiology in the 21st century

As modern medicine began to emerge at the turn of the 20th century, glycan-based therapies advanced. DNA- and protein-centered therapies became widely available. The research and development of structurally defined carbohydrates have led to new tools and methods that have sparked interest in the therapeutic applications of glycans. One of the latest omics disciplines to emerge in the contemporary post-genomics age is glycomics. In addition, to providing hope for patients and people with different health conditions through a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of common complex diseases, this new specialty in system sciences has much to offer to communities involved in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics in medicine and life sciences.This review focuses on recent developments that have pushed glycan-based therapies into the spotlight in medicine and the technologies powering these initiatives, which we can take as the most significant success of the 21st century.

Outcomes of early oseltamivir treatment for hospitalized adult patients with community-acquired influenza pneumonia

Early initiation of oseltamivir within 48 h to 5 days from illness onset has been associated with improved survival among patients with community-acquired influenza pneumonia. Delay of hospitalization limits early treatment and the survival of patients. To date, the effects of early oseltamivir initiation within 24 hours from admission on patient mortality has remained unknown. This retrospective study reviewed and analyzed the clinical and non-clinical outcomes of 143 patients, with community-acquired influenza pneumonia, who received oseltamivir within 24 h (group A) and after 24 h (group B) from admission. Among the patients, 82 (57.3%) received oseltamivir within 24 h while 61 (42.7%) received oseltamivir after 24 h. The median time from symptom onset to admission for group A and group B was not statistically significant (P < 0.001). The 14-day mortality rate was 9% and 23% for group A and B, respectively (P = 0.03), while the 30-day mortality were 15% and 30% for group A and B, respectively (P = 0.05). Administration of oseltamivir within 24 h significantly affected 30-day mortality rates (adjust OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.47–0.04, P < 0.01), particularly among patients with respiratory failure at admission (adjust OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0+.30–0.06, P < 0.01). Survival analysis of patient with influenza pneumonia and respiratory failure at admission demonstrated significant difference between those who received oseltamivir within and after 24 h (P = 0.002). The results indicated that early oseltamivir initiation within 24 h improved the survival outcome mainly among those with respiratory failure at admission.

Ensuring Prevention Science Research is Synthesis-Ready for Immediate and Lasting Scientific Impact

When seeking to inform and improve prevention efforts and policy, it is important to be able to robustly synthesize all available evidence. But evidence sources are often large and heterogeneous, so understanding what works, for whom, and in what contexts can only be achieved through a systematic and comprehensive synthesis of evidence. Many barriers impede comprehensive evidence synthesis, which leads to uncertainty about the generalizability of intervention effectiveness, including inaccurate titles/abstracts/keywords terminology (hampering literature search efforts), ambiguous reporting of study methods (resulting in inaccurate assessments of study rigor), and poorly reported participant characteristics, outcomes, and key variables (obstructing the calculation of an overall effect or the examination of effect modifiers). To address these issues and improve the reach of primary studies through their inclusion in evidence syntheses, we provide a set of practical guidelines to help prevention scientists prepare synthesis-ready research. We use a recent mindfulness trial as an empirical example to ground the discussion and demonstrate ways to ensure the following: (1) primary studies are discoverable; (2) the types of data needed for synthesis are present; and (3) these data are readily synthesizable. We highlight several tools and practices that can aid authors in these efforts, such as using a data-driven approach for crafting titles, abstracts, and keywords or by creating a repository for each project to host all study-related data files. We also provide step-by-step guidance and software suggestions for standardizing data design and public archiving to facilitate synthesis-ready research.

Radical Approaches During Unusual Circumstances: Intellectual Property Regulation and the COVID-19 Dilemma

The current outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic traces its roots back many decades and is worsened by a number of ill-conceived strategies and policies. The current patent protection regime and its suitability in dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic need to be questioned. Strengthened intellectual property protection manifested by the rise of TRIPS-Plus standards is having a negative impact on the affordability and accessibility of medicines. Dealing with the current pandemic urgently demands serious reform and collective efforts.

Therapeutic Effect of Neuraminidase-1-Selective Inhibition in Mouse Models of Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis remains a serious biomedical problem with no cure and an urgent need for better therapies. Neuraminidases (NEUs), including NEU1, have been recently implicated in the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis by us and others. We now have tested the ability of a broad-spectrum neuraminidase inhibitor, 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (DANA), to modulate the in vivo response to acute intratracheal bleomycin challenge as an experimental model of pulmonary fibrosis. A marked alleviation of bleomycin-induced body weight loss and notable declines in accumulation of pulmonary lymphocytes and collagen deposition were observed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses of human and mouse lung tissues and primary human lung fibroblast cultures were also performed. A predominant expression and pronounced elevation in the levels of NEU1 mRNA were observed in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bleomycin-challenged mice compared with their corresponding controls, whereas NEU2, NEU3, and NEU4 were expressed at far lower levels. The levels of mRNA for the NEU1 chaperone, protective protein/cathepsin A (PPCA), were also elevated by bleomycin. Western blotting analyses demonstrated bleomycin-induced elevations in protein expression of both NEU1 and PPCA in mouse lungs. Two known selective NEU1 inhibitors, C9-pentyl-amide-DANA (C9-BA-DANA) and C5-hexanamido-C9-acetamido-DANA, dramatically reduced bleomycin-induced loss of body weight, accumulation of pulmonary lymphocytes, and deposition of collagen. Importantly, C9-BA-DANA was therapeutic in the chronic bleomycin exposure model with no toxic effects observed within the experimental timeframe. Moreover, in the acute bleomycin model, C9-BA-DANA attenuated NEU1-mediated desialylation and shedding of the mucin-1 ectodomain. These data indicate that NEU1-selective inhibition offers a potential therapeutic intervention for pulmonary fibrotic diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuraminidase-1-selective therapeutic targeting in the acute and chronic bleomycin models of pulmonary fibrosis reverses pulmonary collagen deposition, accumulation of lymphocytes in the lungs, and the disease-associated loss of body weight-all without observable toxic effects. Such therapy is as efficacious as nonspecific inhibition of all neuraminidases in these models, thus indicating the central role of neuraminidase-1 as well as offering a potential innovative, specifically targeted, and safe approach to treating human patients with a severe malady: pulmonary fibrosis.

Perspective sur la responsabilité de l’industrie pharmaceutique dans la promotion de la recherche pédiatrique et dans l’accès aux médicaments essentiels

Resumé :

L’industrie pharmaceutique a permis à de nombreux patients d’améliorer leur santé. Mais elle reste critiquée à cause d’un certain désengagement envers les maladies dans les pays en voie de développement et notamment les maladies pédiatriques. Considérant le cercle vicieux de la pauvreté et de la maladie affectant les enfants dans ces pays, il apparait primordial que les multinationales pharmaceutiques impliquent leur responsabilité à plusieurs niveaux : par la mise en place d’actions concrètes pour mener plus de recherches sur les enfants, vu leurs besoins ; puis en rendant les médicaments accessibles à un plus grand nombre d’enfants.

Assessment of adverse events related to anti-influenza neuraminidase inhibitors using the FDA adverse event reporting system and online patient reviews

The recommended antiviral drugs available for the treatment and prevention of influenza are neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related clinical manifestations of adverse events (AEs) related to NAIs. FAERS and WebMD data were downloaded. The available NAIs selected for the analysis were oseltamivir, peramivir, zanamivir, and laninamivir. Disproportionality was analyzed using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the reporting odds ratio (ROR), and the information component (IC) methods. In total, 16729 AEs from 4598 patients and 575 AEs from 440 patients in the FAERS and WebMD, respectively, were included in the analysis. In the FAERS, AEs were more common among those who were younger (<19 years) for zanamivir, while for those who were older (>65 years) for peramivir. A disproportionality analysis showed that signals for vomiting and hallucinations were detected in younger patients given oseltamivir, while an abnormal hepatic function, cardiac failure, shock, and cardio-respiratory arrest were detected in older patients given peramivir. Psychiatric disorders were most common in younger and older patients, while gastrointestinal disorders were most common in adult given oseltamivir in the WebMD. Adverse symptoms related to NAIs varied and depended on the drugs used and the age of the patient.

Association study of genetic polymorphisms in proteins involved in oseltamivir transport, metabolism, and interactions with adverse reactions in Mexican patients with acute respiratory diseases

Oseltamivir, a pro-drug, is the best option for treatment and chemoprophylaxis for influenza outbreaks. However, many patients treated with oseltamivir developed adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity, gastritis, and neurological symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Mexican patients treated with oseltamivir and whether these ADRs are associated with SNPs of the genes involved in the metabolism, transport, and interactions of oseltamivir. This study recruited 310 Mexican patients with acute respiratory diseases and treated them with oseltamivir (75 mg/day for 5 days) because they were suspected to have influenza A/H1N1 virus infection. Clinical data were obtained from medical records and interviews. Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and TaqMan probes. The association was assessed under genetic models with contingency tables and logistic regression analysis. Out of 310 patients, only 38 (12.25%) presented ADRs to oseltamivir: hypersensitivity (1.9%), gastritis (10%), and depression and anxiety (0.9%). The polymorphism ABCB1-rs1045642 was associated with adverse drug reactions under the recessive model (P = 0.017); allele C was associated with no adverse drug reactions, while allele T was associated with adverse drug reactions. The polymorphisms SLC15A1-rs2297322, ABCB1-rs2032582, and CES1-rs2307243 were not consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and no other associations were found for the remaining polymorphisms. In conclusion, the polymorphism rs1045642 in the transporter encoded by the ABCB1 gene is a potential predictive biomarker of ADRs in oseltamivir treatment.

Beyond the Biological Effect of a Chemically Characterized Poplar Propolis: Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity and Comparison with Flurbiprofen in Cytokines Release by LPS-Stimulated Human Mononuclear Cells

Bee propolis, especially Euro-Asian poplar propolis, is among the most well-known natural products traditionally used to treat pharyngitis and minor wounds. The aim of this research was to investigate the pharmacological properties responsible for poplar propolis effectiveness using, for the first time, different in vitro approaches applied to a chemically characterized sample. The anti-inflammatory activity was compared with flurbiprofen by determining pro-inflammatory cytokines released by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The antibacterial activity against Gram+ and Gram- bacteria was assessed, as well as antiviral effects on H1N1 influenza a virus. Poplar propolis (5 and 25 µg/mL) exerted a concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity. In this range of concentrations, propolis effect was not inferior to flurbiprofen on cytokines released by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human PBMC. Poplar propolis was found to upregulate IL-6 and IL-1β in non-stimulated PBMC. S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and S. pneumoniae were the most susceptible bacterial strains with inhibitory concentrations ranging from 156 to 625 µg/mL. A direct anti-influenza activity was not clearly seen. Effective anti-inflammatory concentrations of propolis were significantly lower than the antibacterial and antiviral ones and results suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity was the most important feature of poplar propolis linked to its rationale use in medicine.

Potential Role of Endonuclease Inhibition and Other Targets in the Treatment of Influenza

BACKGROUND

Influenza is a single-stranded RNA virus that is highly contagious and infects millions of people in the U.S. annually. Due to complications, approximately 959,000 people were hospitalized and another 79,400 people died during the 2017-2018 flu season. While the best methods of prevention continue to be vaccination and hygiene, antiviral treatments may help reduce symptoms for those who are infected. Until recently, the only antiviral drugs in use have been the neuraminidase inhibitors: oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed novel drug targets that can be used in the treatment of influenza, particularly in the case of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant strains that may emerge.

RESULTS

More recently, a drug with a new mechanism of action has been approved. Baloxavir marboxil inhibits the influenza cap-dependent endonuclease that is needed for the virus to initiate replication within the host cell. This endonuclease target is within the polymerase acid (PA) subunit of RNA polymerase. Since the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase consists of two other subunits, polymerase basic 1 and 2, RNA polymerase has several targets that prevent viral replication. Other targets still under investigation include viral kinases, endocytosis, and viral fusion.

CONCLUSION

Due to the possibility of viral mutations and resistance, it is important to have antivirals with different mechanisms available, especially in the case of a new pandemic strain. Several novel antivirals are within various stages of development and may represent new classes of treatments that can reduce symptoms and complications in those patients who may be at higher risk.

Pediatric viral orbital cellulites secondary to H1N1 infection: A case report

A 10-year-old boy admitted for high-grade fever and pneumonia developed left preseptal and early orbital cellulitis, unresponsive to higher intravenous antibiotics. He received oseltamivir, on testing positive for H1N1 virus on the nasopharyngeal and throat swabs. There was dramatic improvement with resolution of orbital cellulitis within 24 h of starting oseltamivir. We report a very rare presentation of pediatric orbital cellulitis secondary to systemic H1N1 infection. Prompt investigations and timely treatment with oseltamivir aided in complete resolution, avoiding vision and life-threatening complications.

Priority Needs for Conducting Pandemic-relevant Clinical Research With Children in Europe: A Consensus Study With Pediatric Clinician-researchers

BACKGROUND

Infectious disease (ID) pandemics pose a considerable global threat and can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including children. Pediatric clinical research in pandemics is essential to improve children's healthcare and minimize risks of harm by interventions that lack an adequate evidence base for this population. The unique features of ID pandemics require consideration of special processes to facilitate clinical research. We aimed to obtain consensus on pediatric clinician-researchers' perceptions of the priorities to feasibly conduct clinical pediatric pandemic research in Europe.

METHODS

Mixed method study in 2 stages, recruiting pediatric clinician-researchers with experience of conducting pediatric ID research in clinical settings in Europe. Stage 1 was an expert stakeholder workshop and interviews. Discussions focused on participant's experience of conducting pediatric ID research and processes to facilitate pandemic research. Information informed stage 2, an online consensus survey to identify pediatric inician-researchers priorities to enable ID pandemic research.

RESULTS

Twenty-three pediatric clinician-researchers attended the workshop and 39 completed the survey. Priorities were primarily focused on structural and operational requirements of research design and regulation: (1) clarity within the European Clinical Trials Directive for pediatric pandemic research; (2) simplified regulatory processes for research involving clinical samples and data; and (3) improved relationships between regulatory bodies and researchers.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that changes need to be made to the current regulatory environment to facilitate and improve pediatric research in the pandemic context. These findings can provide expert evidence to research policy decision-makers and regulators and to develop a strategy to lobby for change.

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials

Upper respiratory symptoms are often treated with over the counter drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medications. Due to concerns about safety and efficacy, there is a demand for an alternative solution. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used to treat cold and flu symptoms, but there are no large-scale studies or meta-analyses. This meta-analysis quantifies the effects of elderberry supplementation and evaluates moderators including vaccination status and the underlying pathology. This analysis included a total of 180 participants and evaluates moderators such as vaccination status and cause of the upper respiratory symptoms. Supplementation with elderberry was found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms. The quantitative synthesis of the effects yielded a large mean effect size. These findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.

Is publication bias present in gastroenterological research? An analysis of abstracts presented at an annual congress

Background

Publication bias is the tendency of investigators, reviewers, and editors to submit or accept manuscripts for publication based on their direction or strength of findings. In this study, we investigated if publication bias was present in gastroenterological research by evaluating abstracts at Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Congresses from 2011 to 2013.

Methods

We searched Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed to locate the published reports of research described in these abstracts. If a publication was not found, a second investigator searched to verify nonpublication. If abstract publication status remained undetermined, authors were contacted regarding reasons for nonpublication. For articles reaching publication, the P value, study design, time to publication, citation count, and journals in which the published report appeared were recorded.

Results

Our study found that of 569 abstracts presented, 297 (52.2%) reported a P value. Of these, 254 (85.5%) contained P values supporting statistical significance. The abstracts reporting a statistically significant outcome were twice as likely to reach publication than abstracts with no significant findings (OR 2.10, 95% CI [1.06–4.14]). Overall, 243 (42.7%) abstracts reached publication. The mean time to publication was 14 months and a median time of nine months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found evidence for publication bias in gastroenterological research. Abstracts with significant P values had a higher probability of reaching publication. More than half of abstracts presented from 2011 to 2013 failed to reach publication. Readers should take these findings into consideration when reviewing medical literature.