FDA approves first new flu treatment in nearly 20 years

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@APittsABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A new way to fight the flu is coming to Southern New England.

Approved by the FDA Wednesday, the single-dose, oral prescription drug is called Xofluza. It’s the first medicine of its kind to be approved in nearly 20 years.

“If it’s taken within 48 hours, it can help lessen the duration of the flu and also the severity of the symptoms of the flu,” said Joseph Wendelken from the RI Department of Health.

The drug blocks an enzyme in the flu virus, stopping it from replicating.

During clinical trials, Xofluza greatly reduced or ended symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and fever in two days on average.

Compared to other anti-virals like Tamiflu, it reduced the virus in patients’ nose and throat faster.

“If someone is able to get this medication, it might be able to help them heal up quicker, and also address some of the severity of those symptoms too,” said Wendelken.

The CDC said last year a record number of patients across the country died from the flu, approximately 80,000 people. The flu hit hard here at home too.

“Last year there were about 60 deaths in Rhode Island because of the flu, the year before that we had roughly 30, so it was almost, in terms of deaths, we had twice the amount.”

Wendelken added that the severity of this year’s flu season is impossible to predict, doctors say the best way to protect yourself is getting the flu vaccine.

“There’s no replacement, no substitute for a flu shot. It’s still your best protection year in and year out against the flu. It’s the best way to keep yourself healthy and safe this flu season

The distributor of Xofluza, Genentech, said the drug will be available across the country in the coming weeks.

Doctors recommending getting the flu shot as soon as possible, preferably by the end of October.

(c) WLNE-TV 2018