Details of HTA project
Last updated: 1 July 2008 - Next update due: 8 July 2008
Research type: |
NICE Technology Assessment Report (TAR) |
Project title: |
Oseltamivir, amantadine and zanamivir for the prophylaxis of influenza (including a review of existing guidance no. 67). |
Project ref: |
07/35/01 |
Cost: |
This project has been commissioned by the HTA programme on behalf of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on a call-off contract basis. |
Chief Investigator : |
School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR-TAG), University of Sheffield |
Start Date: |
August 2007. |
Publication date: |
February 2009. This project is at the editorial review stage. Delays in the review process can cause the forecast publication date to be delayed. |
Plain English Summary |
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza A and B viruses. Certain groups of people are at greater risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalisation associated with influenza. Specific "at risk" groups include the elderly, infants, people suffering from chronic illnesses, and people living or working in residential care establishments. Influenza occurs mainly in the winter months and can affect all age groups, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment is typically supportive, involving symptom alleviation and managing complications. Pharmacological therapy using oseltamivir and zanamivir is currently recommended by NICE for the treatment of influenza-like illness (ILI) in people who are considered to be "at risk". Influenza vaccination is recommended for the at-risk population prior to each influenza season. Prophylaxis may be seasonal, post-exposure or for outbreak control in residential care. Currently NICE recommends oseltamivir for the prophylaxis of at-risk people who have been in contact with a person with influenza-like symptoms and who are not adequately protected by vaccination and for at-risk people within residential care establishments, following contact, regardless of vaccination status.1 Amantadine is currently not recommended as prophylaxis. Zanamivir was not considered within the original NICE guidance. The aim of this assessment is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir for the prevention of influenza A and B, as compared against one another and to best symptomatic care. Key outcomes will include cases prevented, complications prevented, adverse effects of treatment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mortality, hospitalisations prevented, length of influenza illness, time to return to normal activities, cost and incremental cost-effectiveness. |
Abstract: |
Key factors to be addressed The objectives of the assessment are: - To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of amantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir in the prophylaxis of influenza in terms of cases prevented, complications prevented, health-related quality of life, mortality, hospitalisations prevented, length of influenza illness, and time to return to normal activities. - To evaluate the incidence and impact of treatment-related adverse events. - To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir in comparison to each other and best symptomatic care. - To identify gaps in the existing evidence base and those areas requiring further primary research. - To estimate the annual cost to the NHS. |
NRR* number, if applicable: |
(*National Research Register) |
Project Protocol: |
Project protocol not available |
URL of this page: |
http://www.hta.ac.uk/1686 |
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