The first drug that literally stops the flu virus in its tracks is to be launched in Britain later this year and could be available in South Africa within 18 months.
Until now, the traditional treatment for flu has been bed-rest and painkillers offering symptomatic relief, while the virus ran its course.
But Relenza, an inhaler made by Glaxo Wellcome, which has just been licensed for use on prescription in Britain, works by blocking the spread of the virus, thus reducing the length of the illness.
The drug has been submitted to the South African Medicines and Medical Devices Regulatory Authority (Sammdra) for approval and it could take between 18 months and two years to be approved.
Dr Damian Largier, medical adviser for Glaxo Wellcome in South Africa, says Relenza is a neuraminidase inhibitor - neuraminidase is the enzyme that the virus needs to invade the cells. When this enzyme is inhibited, the virus is unable to spread.
"The earlier you take the drug, the more effective it is," he says. "If you take it at the onset, it can reduce the time you have flu by up to four days."
He says South Africa has been involved in trials on the drug since 1996 and no adverse side effects have been reported.
Promise
"It was developed in London and there were several countries involved in trials, including South Africa."
Professor Alan Smith, head of virology at the University of Natal's Medical School, said the drug showed great promise. Until now, flu could be fought only with preventative measures, but neuraminidase inhibitors were a new class of drug that stopped the virus from spreading.
"Vaccinations have been our main prevention but because the virus mutates so rapidly, they are not always effective."
As yet, there is no costing on Relenza in South Africa, but it seems as though relief will not come cheaply - in Britain it is expected to sell for 30 pounds (about R285) for a three-day course.
The Daily Mail in London reports that the cost of Relenza is giving health authorities a giant headache.
Doctors expect to be swamped by the demand for the treatment and health ministers have been warned it could pose an even bigger rationing problem than the anti-impotence drug, Viagra. With Viagra, general practitioners (GPs) with the National Health Service (NHS), face the problem of deciding who should receive it.
Likewise, General Practioners will have to decide who would be suitable for treatment, giving preference to high-risk groups, like the elderly, those with chest problems and heart disease patients.
Relenza can be taken by anyone over the age of 12.
Another anti-flu drug from Roche, a pill codenamed GS4104, is expected to be licensed in Britain next year.