baloxavir marboxil

Baloxavir marboxil is an oral antiviral drug used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (flu) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. It is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to its active form, baloxavir, after administration. Baloxavir selectively inhibits the cap-dependent endonuclease activity of the polymerase acidic (PA) protein in influenza viruses, thereby blocking viral mRNA synthesis and halting virus replication. This mechanism distinguishes it from neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir. Baloxavir marboxil was first approved in Japan in February 2018, followed by approvals in the US (October 2018) and Europe (January 2021). It is indicated for patients who have had flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours or as post-exposure prophylaxis after contact with someone infected with influenza[1][2][3][5][6][8].

Brand names

Xofluza

Other names

baloxavir