Small molecule
PubChem CID 65028
Oseltamivir
Tamiflu
- Mechanism of action
- Neuraminidase inhibitor
- In plain language
- Stops the flu virus from breaking free of infected cells, slowing its spread through the body.
- How it works
- Oseltamivir phosphate is an ethyl ester prodrug that is hydrolyzed, largely hepatically, to its active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate. This metabolite is a potent, selective inhibitor of influenza A and B viral neuraminidase, the surface enzyme responsible for cleaving sialic acid residues that anchor newly formed virions to the host cell membrane. By blocking neuraminidase activity, oseltamivir carboxylate prevents release of progeny virus from infected cells and impedes viral penetration through respiratory tract mucus, limiting cell-to-cell spread. Clinical benefit is time-dependent, greatest when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Therapeutic applications
- FDA-indicated for treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza A and B in patients 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours, and for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza A and B in patients 1 year of age and older.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Antiviral
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