The FDA approved a new flu medicine that could shorten the time people are sick—and it can be taken in one dose.
The approval is the first for a new flu medication in nearly 20 years, according to the agency. The treatment, Xofluza, is an antiviral drug taken as a single oral dose within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms.
Last year, the flu killed 80,000 people in the United States, according to preliminary estimates from the CDC. Other health factors including diabetes and obesity could exacerbate a future flu pandemic, according to one recent prediction.
“With thousands of people getting the flu every year, and many people becoming seriously ill, having safe and effective treatment alternatives is critical. This novel drug provides an important, additional treatment option,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, said in a statement.
The treatment is intended for people who are 12 or older and can more quickly alleviate symptoms of influenza viruses. The safety and efficacy of the medicine was demonstrated in clinical trials, and the product was granted priority review.
“When treatment is started within 48 hours of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time patients feel sick,” Debra Birnkrant, MD, director of the Division of Antiviral Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. “Having more treatment options that work in different ways to attack the virus is important because flu viruses can become resistant to antiviral drugs.”
Even with the new medicine, Gottlieb urged people to still get a flu vaccine.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."