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Rapid treatment with a neuraminidase inhibitor, such as oseltamivir, reduced mortality among adults admitted to hospital with suspected or proven pandemic influenza, reports a Roche-sponsored meta-analysis in Lancet Respir Med.

Based on an analysis of 29,234 patients from 78 studies performed during the 2009-10 H₁N₁ pandemic, neuraminidase inhibitors reduced mortality by 19 per cent compared to no treatment. Starting neuraminidase inhibitors within two days of the onset of influenza symptoms reduced mortality by 52 per cent compared to later treatment and by 50 per cent compared to no treatment. Neuraminidase inhibitors did not significantly reduce mortality in children. (Lancet Respir Med)