Baloxavir Marboxil: A New Antiviral for Acute Influenza

Baloxavir is a newly approved, single-dose, oral influenza antiviral indicated for acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 12 years and older if symptomatic for less than 48 hours. The purpose of this article is to review currently available literature on the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical and virologic efficacy of baloxavir. Its novel mechanism of action prevents influenza replication by targeting the viral cap-dependent endonuclease enzyme. In clinical trials baloxavir was shown to be superior to placebo and comparable to oseltamivir with regard to time to alleviation of symptoms and viral titer reduction and was well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Baloxavir is a viable treatment option for acute uncomplicated influenza in certain age groups.