Baloxavir marboxil for the treatment of influenza in patients aged 12 years and older and are at high risk of developing influenza complications

Baloxavir marboxil is given by mouth as tablets and works in a different way to existing flu medications by blocking a specific process which influenza viruses use to multiply within the body. There is evidence that this medication may be effective in people for whom existing flu medicines do not work. Additionally, only one dose of baloxavir marboxil is needed whereas existing flu prevention medications need to be taken over several days. If licenced, baloxavir marboxil may offer an additional prevention option for individuals who have been in contact with someone who has influenza.

Bulevirtide is in clinical development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis Delta virus infection in adult patients with compensated liver disease. Hepatitis D is a viral infection of the liver that is dependent on the patient already being infected with hepatitis B virus. The co-infection is thought to be more severe and cause more damage to the liver than hepatitis B alone. Currently there are limited treatment options for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis D virus infection.

Cabotegravir and rilpivirine tablets are in development as an oral lead-in therapy for a period of approximately one month as a short-term oral bridging treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) patients that are considered eligible for the long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine therapy. HIV is a type of viral infection caused by a type of virus referred to as a retrovirus. HIV-1 is the most common and highly communicable type of HIV. HIV is a lifelong, chronic disease that nowadays can be managed with antiretroviral therapies (ARTs). Since HIV virus can quickly adapt and become resistant, a combination of ART drugs is normally used. Usually patients take between one and 4 or 6 tablets a day. Failing to do so will result in a weakened immune system and increased vulnerability to infections.

Fostemsavir is in clinical development for human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults. HIV is a virus that damages the cells in the immune system and weakens the body’s ability to fight everyday infections and diseases. HIV infection is incurable but there are effective treatments that enable most infected people to live a healthy life. Antiretroviral (ARV) medicines are used to treat HIV. However, poor adherence and the subsequent development of drug resistance is one reason why HIV treatment can fail. A drug-resistant HIV strain is one which is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs. For highly treatment-experienced patients who have failed on a number of treatment regimens and have limited treatment options, complex regimens including drugs to which the virus is partially resistant may be required.