Spotlight Is On Experimental Ebola Drugs; FDA Warns Public About Fake Treatments

News outlets report on efforts to dispel myths about Ebola, prevent fake treatments, and approve experimental therapies for use in the African outbreak.

The Hill: FDA seeks to dispel Ebola outbreak fears
“The Food and Drug Administration has posted a Web page with quick facts about the Ebola virus and the outbreak in West Africa in order to fight misconceptions about the disease permeating the general public. … The FDA plans to update the page with its ongoing assessments of the disease and has provided information for the public to report fake Ebola drugs and vaccines, which have been a major concern for the agency…” (Al-Faruque, 8/22).

The Lancet: Experimental Ebola drugs enter the limelight
“With the Ebola outbreak still raging in West Africa, WHO has okayed the use of experimental treatments. Two groups have already opened their drug cabinets to help out, and several others are considering following suit…” (Mullard, 8/21).

Agence France-Presse: Japan ready to offer trial Ebola drug
“Tokyo stands ready to offer an experimental drug developed by a Japanese company to help stem the global tide of the deadly Ebola virus, the top government spokesman said Monday…” (8/25).

Associated Press: Japan ready to offer flu drug for Ebola treatment
“Japan said Monday it is ready to provide a Japanese-developed anti-influenza drug as a possible treatment for the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak…” (Yamaguchi, 8/25).

Reuters: Japan could offer unapproved Ebola drug
“…Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that Japan has received inquiries from some countries on the influenza drug favipiravir, or T-705 as it is known in the developmental code…” (Kaneko/Uetake, 8/25).

The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.

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