Baloxavir marboxil for treating influenza in children aged 3 weeks and older

Baloxavir marboxil is in clinical development for the treatment of influenza in children aged 3 weeks and older. Influenza or ‘flu’ is a viral respiratory illness which causes high temperature, body aches, tiredness, cough, sore throat, headache, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Influenza is usually spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes and occurs in annual flu seasons (commonly December to May). Most cases of influenza will resolve within three to seven days. However, in children younger than 2 years old, influenza can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, brain dysfunction, sinus problems, and ear infections. High levels of resistance as well as restrictions based on age or mode of administration have rendered many therapies ineffective or undesirable, hence the need for more effective therapies for influenza in children.