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Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be useful in an influenza pandemic
June 14, 2006Recent concerns about the possibility of a serious influenza pandemic have spurred many countries to start stockpiling vaccines and antiviral agents. However, an article in the July 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online, proposes that cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins could be helpful, and would be more readily available in the event of a global influenza pandemic.
Statins lower "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood by blocking the liver's production of cholesterol. Statins may further protect the heart by regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Recent studies suggest that these effects also help patients with serious infectious diseases such as pneumonia and bacterial infection of the blood.
Because influenza is associated with inflammation and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of statins might also help people with influenza, suggests David Fedson, MD, a retired former director of medical affairs for a major vaccine maker. If an influenza pandemic did occur, statins would have the added benefit of being immediately available, unlike influenza vaccines, which have to be manufactured after the virus strain is identified.
"It is important to recognize that the statins/influenza idea is only that—an idea," Dr. Fedson said. "It needs to be confirmed by rigorous scientific studies." Statins wouldn't replace vaccines, he added, because "unlike vaccines, they probably wouldn't prevent [influenza virus] infection itself." However, if research demonstrates that statins are beneficial, "their value would most likely be in preventing serious complications and death. In order to do this, they would probably have to be continued throughout the duration of the illness."
Besides being readily available, statins would be relatively inexpensive, particularly the generic varieties. "As generics, they are already being produced in several developing countries and should be available and affordable in almost all countries," Dr. Fedson said. "Keep in mind that very large amounts of statins are produced for tens of millions of cardiovascular disease patients to take year round. For influenza, they probably would be taken for only five to 10 days, and this would not have a major impact on ordinary production and sales levels by the manufacturers."
Further research on statins as treatment and prophylaxis for pandemic influenza, including laboratory studies and clinical trials, is crucial, Dr. Fedson said, concluding in his article that statins "could become the only currently available agents to alter the course of what otherwise might become an unprecedented global health crisis."
Infectious Diseases Society of America
"It is important to recognize that the statins/influenza idea is only that—an idea," Dr. Fedson said. "It needs to be confirmed by rigorous scientific studies." Statins wouldn't replace vaccines, he added, because "unlike vaccines, they probably wouldn't prevent [influenza virus] infection itself." However, if research demonstrates that statins are beneficial, "their value would most likely be in preventing serious complications and death. In order to do this, they would probably have to be continued throughout the duration of the illness."
Besides being readily available, statins would be relatively inexpensive, particularly the generic varieties. "As generics, they are already being produced in several developing countries and should be available and affordable in almost all countries," Dr. Fedson said. "Keep in mind that very large amounts of statins are produced for tens of millions of cardiovascular disease patients to take year round. For influenza, they probably would be taken for only five to 10 days, and this would not have a major impact on ordinary production and sales levels by the manufacturers."
Further research on statins as treatment and prophylaxis for pandemic influenza, including laboratory studies and clinical trials, is crucial, Dr. Fedson said, concluding in his article that statins "could become the only currently available agents to alter the course of what otherwise might become an unprecedented global health crisis."
Infectious Diseases Society of America
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Pandemic Influenza, Swine Flu, Avian Flu Kit / Protective Apparel Emergency Disaster and First Aid Protection, Survival Transit Set with 1 Ex. Lg. Full Length Protective Coverall, 1 Face Mask with Eye Shield, 1 Pair of Lg. Gloves, 1 Pair of Lg. Shoe Covers - Safety Toggs / Frogg Toggs Brand - Polyspun Breathable Synthetic Fabric Disposable Set by Safety Toggs / Frogg Toggs Brand Product A Factory Sealed Brand New Safety Toggs / Frogg Toggs Brand Portable Home, Travel and Glovebox First Aid and Emergency Survival and Emergency Preparedness Disaster Accessory. This is a Basic Emergency Flu, Germ - Disease Emergency Disposable Apparel Kit. All Components are Extra Large, the Full Length Coverall Features a Polyspun Fabric Covered Neck to Crotch Zipper. These Components Are NOT WATERPROOF.. The Largest Test Subject we could find was 5" 11" tall, 44/46" waisted, and a shy bit under 300 lbs, they fit snugly but closed just fine, The Coverall's feature the Safety Toggs / Frogg Toggs Brand Name Logo. The Gloves fit most Lg./Ex. Large Hands, The Mask Fits Most Adults, and the Shoe Covers fit Men's Size 10 to 12. Great for Fast Evacuation and Transit, Self Rescue, and... |
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