However, the H5N1 being spread in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia has brought the amantadines into the antiviral spotlight. 16 sequences from Qingahi Lake in China have been published, and none have amantadine resistance markers. Similarities in sequences between isolates from Qinghai Lake in China and Chany Lake in Russia suggest that most or all sequences of H5N1 from wild birds are amantadine sensitive. The amantadines are sold as Symmetrel (amantadine) and Flumadine (rimantadine) and are much less expensive and more widely available because they are off patent and sold by generic drug companies. Although resistance can develop, thus far there is no evidence of resistance in H5N1 from wild birds in the countries listed above.
Because the amantadines target one gene (M2) and the neuraminidase inhibitors target another gene (NA), the two drugs can be taken together and will compliment each other, as long as both targeted genes are susceptible to each drug class.
Can be found on line at:
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/09170502/Tamiflu_Amantadine_Prevention.html
PS, I didn't find anything about Tamiflu or amantadine at the CIDRAP site.
That is terrific to know. Looks like I wrote off amantadine too soon. Thanks for doing the research, you may have just saved some lives (in the FR readership)!