oseltamivir + favipiravir

A combination antiviral therapy that pairs oseltamivir (a neuraminidase inhibitor) with favipiravir (an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor). This combination demonstrates synergistic effects against influenza viruses, including drug-resistant strains, in laboratory and animal studies. The mechanism involves oseltamivir blocking viral release from infected cells while favipiravir increases viral mutation rates to lethal levels through "error catastrophe". Studies in animal models have shown improved survival rates against various influenza strains (H1N1, H3N2, H5N1), including oseltamivir-resistant strains, compared to either drug alone. Clinical studies suggest the combination may accelerate clinical recovery in hospitalized patients with severe influenza.