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Oseltamivir, one of two neuraminidase inhibitors introduced a decade ago, is active against influenza A and B viruses. However, its use has been associated with the emergence of drug-resistant virus, especially among children in Japan, where dosing based solely on weight leads to lower plasma drug levels.
To investigate further, researchers (supported by the manufacturer of oseltamivir) measured the emergence of antiviral resistance in isolates from 64 children in the U.K. with virologically confirmed influenza during the 2005–2006 or the 2006–2007 influenza season (34 influenza A subtype H3N2, 11 influenza A subtype H1N1, and 19 influenza type B infections). The children received oseltamivir dosed according to the tiered weight-based system…