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Rating
F.D.A. Approves New Drug for Flu
Our Review Summary
This story is one of two things that we focus on that is FDA's approval of a drug designed to speed patient recovery from the symptoms (ABC News). The drug is marboxil baloxavir, marketed under the trade name Xofluza. This New York Times story is about a new drug.
Why This Matters
The criteria that we use at HealthNewsReview.org to review health-related news stories were not developed in a vacuum. Rather, these are the criteria that we need to make in the process of treating patients and providing care. While we do it we have a couple of things, the story does not exaggerate the findings, and provides information to patients.
We were particularly pleased that this story was not misleading as it was developed around this drug – that is, that it could help reduce transmission of the virus. To date, there is no evidence to show that a benefit.
Criteria
Does the story adequately quantify the benefits of treatment / test / product / procedure?
Not Satisfactory
This is a really close one. The story is a lot of things well here. There is no difference in the benefits between Xofluza and oseltamivir (better known as Tamiflu). However, it does not actually quantify the benefits badociated with Xofluza. Instead, the story states that it "may be sick and sick."
We approve of the language used throughout the story, but we like to see quantified benefits in instances where the information is available. In this case, an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine Reported to be a variable in the incidence of symptoms by a mean of 25-38 hours, compared to placebo (the difference depends on the age group of the patient). Ergo, a not satisfactory rating here.
Does the story adequately explain / quantify the harms of the intervention?
Satisfactory
The story addresses this issue. One point that would have been made stronger by the company of the Xofluza warns that it might be possible to avoid the drug, if it would not be into badmilk for nursing mothers.
Does the story use independent sources and identify conflicts of interest?
Not Satisfactory
The story incorporates input from two sources at the FDA, but the information appears to stem from an FDA statement. Information from pharmaceutical companies is clearly marked, but we are looking for new information.
Total Score: 8 of 10 Satisfactory
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