- Antiviral drugs
Food and Drug Administration recently voted unanimously (15 to 0) against recommending approval of Picovir, a possible cure for the common cold, which has been shown in studies to clear up runny noses a bit faster than usual.

Do you have a Cold or the Flu?

Virus mutation feared - The advisers also worried that attacking mere colds could cause the entire family of cold viruses, which also causes more serious infections like meningitis and neonatal sepsis, to mutate in dangerous ways. Already, there is a high rate of mutations after a mere week of treatment, said FDA adviser Dr. Jonathan Schapiro of Stanford University. “By treating a relatively mild disease , if we have serious infections down the road, we might not be able to treat” them, he said.“I have not seen adequate (data) from my point of view to conclude this drug is safe as we anticipate it will be used,” said Dr. Brian Wong, a panel member.

Today’s over-the-counter remedies only ease symptoms by temporarily drying up runny noses or suppressing cough. Picovir maker ViroPharma Inc. hopes its drug, known chemically as pleconaril, will become the first prescription remedy to attack the actual virus that causes many, although not all, colds.The FDA isn’t bound by its advisers’ recommendations but usually follows them. A final decision is expected by summer 2002.

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