1. Two new influenza therapeutics
2. A new 20-minute diagnostic test, called ZstatFlu™
3. A new early warning system based on the internet

Influenza is under-diagnosed and under-treated, leading to a yearly toll of 20,000-40,000 deaths, 150,000 hospitalizations and over $10 billion in associated costs in the U.S. The medical community has been ill-equipped to handle this yearly infectious problem until now.

A new approach to influenza disease management has been enabled by three recent advances:

1. Two new influenza therapeutics.
   A new class of therapeutics for fighting both influenza types A and B - neuraminidase inhibitors - has been developed. Glaxo recently received FDA clearance to introduce Relenza® (zanamivir), which is administered by use of a special inhaler. In addition, Roche obtained FDA approval this fall for its oral product, Tamiflu® (oseltamivir).
2. A new 20-minute diagnostic test, called ZstatFlu™
   ZstatFlu is a rapid, 99% specific throat swab test for influenza A and B.
3. A new early warning system based on the Internet.
   The National Flu Surveillance Network (NFSN) collects data on influenza cases nationwide to monitor flu outbreaks, prevalence and spread.

This 1999-2000 influenza season will be very different from all previous flu seasons. Physicians will need to know with accuracy if their patients have influenza. This year two large pharmaceutical companies, Glaxo and Roche, have clearance to market their new flu antivirals, Relenza and Tamiflu. This will bring extensive advertising, media attention and patient pressure.

• Offset the inaccuracy of clinical diagnosis 1
• Reduce the over-diagnosis of bacterial infection 2,3
• Reduce the chance of misdiagnosing a serious bacterial infection as the flu
• Match the narrow window of antiviral effectiveness
• Control the spread of influenza in high-risk groups
• Reduce the length and severity of the illness in healthy people
• Reduce the incidence of complications and hospitalizations
• Increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of flu care

Based on the facts, ZstatFlu is the influenza diagnostic that provides the most benefits.