For the first time in the last twenty years, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration – US Food and Drug Administration) approved a new antiviral drug for influenza – baloxavir marboxil.
Baloxavir marboxil is indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in persons over 12 years of age.
As a reminder, oseltamivir and zanamivir are also antiviral drugs with evidence-based efficacy in the treatment of influenza. What is the difference between the new drug and what are its advantages, – understood estet-portal.com.
What is the difference between a new antiviral drug and influenza
Baloxavir marboxil is an inhibitor of cap-dependent endonuclease, which is necessary for active viral replication. Thus, baloxavir marboxil prevents the replication of the influenza virus in the cells of the human body.
For comparison, oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor: the drug prevents the "detachment" of virions from the surface of the infected cell and infect new cells.
The safety and efficacy of baloxavir marboxil has been proven in two randomized controlled clinical trials involving 1832 patients.
The results of the study were published in September in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Advantages and disadvantages of a new influenza antiviral drug
The main benefit of baloxavir marbox is its single dose. For comparison: international protocols recommend taking oseltamivir and zanamivir 2 times a day for 5 days.
At the same time, the effect of taking a single dose of the drug is not inferior to that of oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Studies have shown that a significant decrease in virus titers was observed as early as 2-3 days after taking baloxavir marbox.
A significant drawback of baloxavir marbox is its high cost, which so far averages 150 US dollars. However, the question of the cost of the drug has not yet been finally settled. The drug is expected to enter the US market no earlier than 2019.
Influenza season is coming: modern approaches to treatment and prevention
Annual vaccination – best method for specific prophylaxis of influenza
estet-portal.com reminds that vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. International protocols recommend annual specific influenza prophylaxis for such population groups as:
1. Social and medical workers, as well as specialists in the field of pharmaceutical services;
2. Pregnant women;
3. All persons over 65;
4. All children aged 6 to 35 months;
5. People who live with other people who are prone to severe flu;
6. All who enter the military;
Non-specific prevention of influenza consists of maintaining adequate hand hygiene and cough ethics.
The best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated every year.
A patient with flu-like symptoms should not have a "cold on the feet" as this can lead to complications and infect others.
Thank you for staying with estet-portal.com. Read other interesting articles in the "Infectious Diseases" section. You may also be interested in Types of influenza viruses and main clinical symptoms of the disease
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