Shionogi Inc. manufactures Xofluza [1]. The drug is co-developed with and distributed in the United States by Roche [2].
Who else sells Xofluza?
Outside of the United States, Xofluza is marketed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited [3].
What is Xofluza used for?
Xofluza is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza (flu) [4]. It is approved for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in individuals 12 years of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours [4]. It is also approved for the prevention of influenza after close contact with an infected person [4].
How does Xofluza work?
Xofluza, also known as baloxavir marboxil, works by inhibiting the cap-dependent endonuclease activity of the influenza virus polymerase acidic (PA) protein [5]. This enzyme is essential for viral gene transcription and replication [5]. By blocking this enzyme, Xofluza prevents the virus from making copies of itself [5].
When did Xofluza become available?
Xofluza received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October 2018 [6].
What are the side effects of Xofluza?
Common side effects of Xofluza include diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, and headache [4]. In some cases, there have been reports of serious side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions and delirium [4].
Are there alternatives to Xofluza?
Other antiviral medications used to treat influenza include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab) [7]. These drugs work differently than Xofluza, typically by inhibiting viral neuraminidase, an enzyme that helps the virus spread from cell to cell [7].
What is the patent status of Xofluza?
Information regarding Xofluza's patent status and any potential patent challenges can be found on DrugPatentWatch.com [8].
What is the difference between Xofluza and Tamiflu?
Xofluza and Tamiflu are both antiviral medications used to treat the flu, but they work through different mechanisms and have different dosing regimens [5][7]. Xofluza is a single-dose oral medication, while Tamiflu is typically taken twice a day for five days [5][7]. Xofluza targets a different viral protein than Tamiflu [5][7].
Sources:
[1] https://www.shionogi.com/
[2] https://www.roche.com/
[3] https://www.takeda.com/
[4] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/210305s000lbl.pdf
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6544867/
[6] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/fda-approves-new-influenza-drug-xofluza-baloxavir-marboxil
[7] https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/what-to-do-if-you-get-sick.htm
[8] https://drugpatentwatch.com/