FDA announces meeting to explore OTC flu treatments

ROCKVILLE, Md. Treatments to be used in the event of a pandemic flu epidemic may one day be available over-the-counter. The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday announced a joint meeting of the Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee and the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee in the Federal Register to determine the types of studies and trial designs needed for an influenza antiviral MedKit for the treatment or prevention of pandemic influenza.

The meeting will be held Oct. 29 at the Hilton in Rockville, Md.

According to the announcement, committee members will be tasked with providing advice on issues such as the role of personal MedKits, home stockpiling, non-prescription availability of influenza medications and interfaces of home readiness with public health systems.