A Quick Response to a Flu Pandemic

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A Quick Response to a Flu Pandemic July 2, 2008; Page A12

If Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Tevi Troy wants to

assist Americans to prepare for a catastrophic flu pandemic, there is

a more direct way than by supporting Roche's efforts to get U.S.

companies to stockpile Tamiflu ( " Roche Offers Firms Tamiflu Deal, "

June 27).

Why not simply have the Food and Drug Administration waive the

requirement of a physician's prescription for the drug? That way every

American can make his or her own decision about purchasing a

medication that could save their lives and those of their families in

the event of a true public health emergency.

A new behind-the-counter (BTC) class of drugs available through

pharmacies that is currently being considered by the FDA would seem to

be a viable mechanism for optimizing consumer access while ensuring an

appropriate degree of distributive control. Do I have to think of

everything?

T. Rupp, Ph.D.

Professor of Pharmacy Administration

Midwestern University

Glendale, Ariz,

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121496565961221997.html