Since the 2009 flu pandemic, Tamiflu became a prescription drug with household name like Viagra.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a good drug. It shifted the world’s paradigm on influenza management and became the symbol of neuraminidase inhibitor drug.

However, the unmet medical needs still exist in the market. Antiviral agent can always develop resistance, but for influenza treatment, no other agent than neuraminidase inhibitor is recommended. In Korea, the influenza vaccination rate boasts a top world class level, but 2.26 million patients have been infected with influenza in 2018.

After two decades since Tamiflu was commercialized, Roche has showcased Xofluza (baloxavir).