Baloxavir (Xofluza): A new antiviral drug for the flu

A new drug for the treatment of influenza was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2018, just in time for the 2018–19 flu season. Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) works against the two types of influenza virus that cause disease in humans, influenza A and B. This new drug works differently than currently available drugs, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab). These older drugs inhibit the virus by blocking a viral enzyme called neuraminidase. In contrast, baloxavir inhibits a subunit of the viral polymerase, the enzyme responsible for influenza virus replication. Put more simply, baloxavir interferes with the ability of the flu virus to multiply, while the older drugs interfere with the ability of the flu virus to spread within the body. This different mechanism of action means baloxavir may be effective against strains of influenza A that are resistant to oseltamivir, the drug used most widely for treatment of influenza. Baloxavir is also active against strains of avian influenza (“bird flu”). Baloxavir reduces duration of flu-like symptoms Baloxavir marboxil is taken by mouth. In the gastrointestinal tract, the marboxil component gives way to reveal the active drug, baloxavir acid. A phase 3 randomized, double-blind trial called CAPSTONE-1, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared baloxavir to oseltamivir and to placebo for the treatment of influenza-like illness. In this multicenter stu...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Cold and Flu Health Source Type: blogs