FDA OKs emergency drug use to combat flu outbreak

The FDA has authorized the emergency use of antivirals and diagnostic tests to help fight the spread of swine flu in the United States.

The order, signed on Monday, gives the CDC the authority to use a clinical test not yet approved for swine flu, but is only available in a few government labs that will be testing samples. The FDA is also authorizing the use of Roche's Tamiflu in infants under the age of one. And Glaxo's Relenza is authorized for use against the flu. The FDA's actions are designed to guard physicians and other health workers from litigation.

The Project BioShield Act of 2004 outlined the emergency authorization process, requiring the CDC and FDA to work as a team as it responds to a pandemic or bioterror attack.

- read the report in the Wall Street Journal 

ALSO: 3M says that the N95 face mask, which is used to help protect people from the flu, is now on back order. "We've significantly increased production and we are working hard to meet the demand," said a spokesperson. Report

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