baloxavir marboxil

An orally bioavailable prodrug and influenza cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) inhibitor, with antiviral activity. Upon administration of baloxavir marboxil, the agent is converted by hydrolysis to its active metabolite baloxavir. Baloxavir targets, binds to and inhibits the CEN activity of the influenza polymerase acidic (PA) protein, an influenza virus-specific enzyme in the viral RNA polymerase complex required for the initiation of influenza gene transcription. By inhibiting PA endonuclease, influenza virus mRNA replication is halted. This reduces viral load and prevents further influenza infection.