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zanamivir for inhalation
Zanamivir inhibits neuraminidase, an enzyme on the surface of influenza viruses, preventing viral release from infected cells and blocking spread of infection.
Zanamivir inhibits neuraminidase, an enzyme on the surface of influenza viruses, preventing viral release from infected cells and blocking spread of infection. Used for Treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza A and B infection in patients 7 years and older, Prophylaxis of influenza A and B in patients 5 years and older.
At a glance
| Generic name | zanamivir for inhalation |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Rotadisk/Diskhaler |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford |
| Drug class | Neuraminidase inhibitor |
| Target | Influenza neuraminidase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Zanamivir is a sialic acid analog that binds to and inhibits influenza neuraminidase, the viral enzyme responsible for cleaving sialic acid receptors on host cell surfaces. By blocking neuraminidase activity, the drug prevents newly synthesized viral particles from being released from infected cells, thereby reducing viral spread and limiting infection progression. The inhalation formulation delivers the drug directly to the respiratory tract where influenza infection occurs.
Approved indications
- Treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza A and B infection in patients 7 years and older
- Prophylaxis of influenza A and B in patients 5 years and older
Common side effects
- Bronchospasm
- Cough
- Throat discomfort
- Headache
- Nasal symptoms
Key clinical trials
- A Phase 2 Trial Comparing Antiviral Treatments in Early Symptomatic Influenza (PHASE2)
- Safety of Inhaled Zanamivir in Pregnancy
- Efficacy and Safety of Inhaled Zanamivir in Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections in China (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Combination Therapies With Oseltamivir & Zanamivir or Oseltamivir & Amantadine Versus Oseltamivir Monotherapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Influenza A Infection (PHASE2)
- Long Term Influenza Prophylaxis With Inhaled Zanamivir or Oral Oseltamivir (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- zanamivir for inhalation CI brief — competitive landscape report
- zanamivir for inhalation updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Oxford portfolio CI