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  • NISN objectives
 

The global Neuraminidase Inhibitor Susceptibility Network (NISN) was established in 1999 to address public health and regulatory concerns regarding the potential emergence and consequence of drug resistance in influenza viruses following the introduction of the influenza neuraminidase inhibitor (NI) class of antiviral agents.  

More recently, studies of the prevalence of resistant viruses have focused on more specific issues, such as the situation in Japan, where there has been greatest use of the neuraminidase inhibitors.  The Network also works on the evaluation of standards for determining phenotypic and genotypic determinants of resistance, and the provision of expert scientific opinion.

 

The broad objectives of NISN are to:

 
  • Provide a coherent approach to global NI resistance monitoring from both public health and research perspectives
  • Examine data from the scientific literature and from specific monitoring programs to make recommendations for appropriate general strategies and specific assays for monitoring resistance
  • Conduct longitudinal prospective surveillance for resistance emergence and spread through a link with the existing WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network
  • Communicate this information to the scientific community and public health authorities