FDA Approves First New Drug to Treat Influenza in Nearly 20 Years

The FDA has approved Genentech’s Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza (flu) in patients 12 years of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. This is the first new antiviral flu treatment in nearly two decades.

“With thousands of people getting the flu every year, and many people becoming seriously ill, having safe and effective treatment alternatives is critical. This novel drug provides an important, additional treatment option,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.

“When treatment is started within 48 hours of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time patients feel sick,” said Debra Birnkrant, M.D., director of the Division of Antiviral Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Having more treatment options that work in different ways to attack the virus is important because flu viruses can become resistant to antiviral drugs.”

Xofluza’s safety and efficacy was demonstrated in two randomized, controlled clinical trials of 1,832 patients where participants were assigned to receive either Xofluza, a placebo, or another antiviral flu treatment within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms. In both trials, patients treated with Xofluza had a shorter time to alleviation of symptoms compared with patients who took the placebo. The most common adverse reactions in patients taking Xofluza included diarrhea and bronchitis.

Genentech says the single-dose treatment will be available in the coming weeks, and while it will cost $150, it may be available through commercial insurance for $30.

(Source: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration; CNBC)