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Antiviral Drugs in Influenza

Treating human flu remains a challenge. The anti-influenza drugs available on the market seem to be insufficient in achieving an optimal therapeutic effect. Baloxavir, which is new on the market, exhibits activity against some oseltamivir-resistant strains and does not differ significantly in terms of safety and effectiveness from known drugs used recently for the treatment of influenza. However, its use in a wider group of society than is currently approved requires further research and is highly recommended.

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Articles of Interest

Building anti-flu drugs on a computer

This is the challenge that Sarel Fleishman, Timothy Whitehead and Damian Ekiert from the University of Washington have just overcome. Their “sculpture” is a protein called haemagglutinin, or HA, which sits on the surface of flu viruses. Their “shroud” is another protein designed to perfectly fit onto the contours of HA and neutralise it. They have found a way of fashioning these designer proteins on a computer – a feat that could make it easier to create the next generation of anti-flu drugs. Under the microscope, flu viruses look like spherical pincushions. The “pins” consist of two proteins: haemagglutinin, which allows the virus to stick to a host cell, and neuraminidase, which allows it to eventually escape. The different versions of these proteins give flu viruses their names. For example, a virus with a haemagglutinin from group 1 and a neuraminidase from group 1 would be called H1N1 – the same type that went pandemic in 2009.

Antiviral medications safe treatment for influenza

Influenza isn’t the only disease for which antiviral drugs are available. Others include COVID-19, swine flu, hepatitis B and C, Ebola and HIV. However, it’s important to understand that antiviral drugs are not interchangeable. Each medication is specific to one type of virus.

Comparison of Antiviral Agents for Seasonal Influenza Outcomes in Healthy Adults and Children

The findings of this network meta-analysis suggest that the examined antiviral agents assessed were associated with shortening TTAS; zanamivir was associated with the lowest TTAS, and baloxavir was associated with the lowest rate of influenza-related complications.

FDA approves Xofluza for treatment of influenza in children 5 years and older

The FDA approval is supported by data from 2 phase 3 studies. The first, miniSTONE-2, compared Xofluza with oseltamivir in children with influenza who were otherwise healthy. The second, BLOCKSTONE compared Xofluza with a placebo for both children and adults living with a family member who had influenza. Xofluza is already used in individuals aged 12 years and over to prevent influenza after contact with someone who has contracted the disease. It is also used for individuals of this age range who are otherwise healthy and have experienced symptoms for less than 48 hours.

Flu and COVID-19 Antiviral Treatments

Once you’ve taken a diagnostic test and have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or flu, what can you do? You don’t have to just sit at home and wait it out – instead, there are treatment options!

Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians

Influenza antiviral prescription drugs can be used to treat influenza, and some can be used to prevent influenza.

Tamiflu For All? Evidence Of Morbidity In CDC’s Antiviral Guidelines

Many of the CDC’s statements are either contradicted by other prominent groups or are only supported by observational studies...

The Flu Is Surging. How Antivirals Can Help.

Doctors explain how antiviral drugs work, who should take them, and why timing matters.

Resources

Medical Letter

Use of a neuraminidase inhibitor or baloxavir for treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in adults shortens the duration of symptoms by about one day.

CDC

Antiviral Drugs for Seasonal Influenza...