Influenza (flu) is a common air-borne viral infection whose symptoms include fever, body pain, cough and cold. It takes minimum five days for a complete cure, in spite of drug administration. There is no single drug against flu which can reduce the symptomatic duration in teens and adults.

The scientists from the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered that a single dose of drug named baloxavir marboxil can quickly kill the virus and reduce the symptomatic duration by one day, with zero side effects. Baloxavir was tested in comparison with placebo and another approved drug named oseltamivir, where the time duration was comparatively proved to be lesser, via clinical trials in Japan and United States. The study findings were published in the journal named New England Journal of Medicine.

Frederick G. Hayden, MD, from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, said "Baloxavir shows remarkable antiviral potency in uncomplicated influenza, and if approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it would be an important addition to our treatment options for influenza. Of note, because baloxavir has a novel antiviral action in inhibiting the endonuclease of the virus, the drug is inhibitory for influenza A and B viruses including those that may be resistant to currently available drugs."

Baloxavir is awaiting for US-FDA’s final approval, which is expected by December 24^th, 2018. Further, its combinational therapy with other antiviral drugs is also planned in future.