Details From AP
July 27, 1999
The Food and Drug Administration today approved a drug to help ease flu symptoms.
It's called Relenza, and it is administered through a plastic inhaler.
The FDA says during tests, Relenza reduced the duration of flu symptoms by one-to-two days when taken within the first couple days of symptoms.
An FDA advisory panel had recommended against approval of the drug, saying studies didn't show the drug provided enough benefit. But in a rare move, the FDA approved it anyway.
The drug should be available in time for the next flu season.
