Xofluza, is aiming for a rebound in sales

1 tablet of Xofluza is same as taking 10 tablets of Tamiflu

The first antiviral drug in 20 years

Immediately after its release, the number of flu patients dropped sharply due to COVID-19

As soon as it was released, Xofluza, an unfortunate flu treatment that had little sales due to COVID-19, is seeking to rebound.

 

As the flu pandemic warning has been issued for the first time in three years and the number of flu patients is increasing, Roche will also start selling Xofluza in earnest.

 

◆ New drug Xofluza for the first time in 20 years Xofluza is the next generation of flu treatment that Roche will succeed inTamiflu.

 

Tamiflu is the only drug for new influenza and is a representative flu treatment for 20 years.

 

Developed as a new mechanism of action in 20 years, Xofluza inhibits polymerase acid endonuclease, which is essential for cloning influenza viruses, preventing the progression from the early stages of virus replication.

 

Xofluza dramatically reduced the number of doses.

 

Unlike Tamiflu, which requires taking twice a day for five days, Xofluza only needs to be taken once within 48 hours of symptoms.

 

In other words, 1 tablet of Xofluza can replace 10 tablets of Tamiflu.

 

Xofluza, which received a lot of attention even before its approval and was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in November 2019, had low sales due to the massive outbreak of unexpected COVID-19.

 

As expected, sales of Xofluza had to rise from the 2020-2021 season, there were few opportunities for Xofluza to be used due to the unusually low flu epidemic for two consecutive years.

 

This is because the entire nation is obligated to wear masks and social distancing has been strengthened.

 

According to IQVIA, a pharmaceutical market research firm, Xofluza's quarterly sales were less than 100 million won.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2020, which had the most sales, was only 75 million won.

 

Despite sluggish sales, Xofluza has steadily expanded its indication.

 

In January 2021, an indication of influenza prevention therapy was added.

 

Xofluza can be taken as a preventive measure if in contact with an influenza-infected patient.

 

In addition, in the United States this year, the indication has been expanded so that children aged 5 to 11 can use Xofluza.

 

In Korea, only adolescents or adults aged 12 or older are subject to administration.

 

Based on related research data, the age at which administration can be administered is expected to expand in Korea in the future.

 

◆Re-examination of Xofluza in the flu pandemic warning Xofluza, which has not been seen for two years due to COVID-19, is expecting a full-fledged increase in sales this year.

 

This is because the flu is expected to be prevalent in the 2022-2023 season.

 

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a national flu pandemic warning for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

From the 4th to the 10th of last month, the proportion of influenza doctors (patients with suspicious symptoms) met the epidemic standard at 5.1 per 1,000 people and issued a pandemic warning earlier than usual.

 

Trends in the proportion of suspected flu patients in the 2022-2023 season (Data: Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

In fact, the number of patients with suspected symptoms per 1,000 outpatients is rapidly increasing.

 

In the last week of September (September 25 to October 1), the number of patients showing suspicious symptoms per 1,000 outpatients was 7.1 per 1,000 patients, up 44.9% from the previous week.

 

In preparation for the increase in the number of flu patients, Roche has also secured enough supplies of Xofluza.

 

The Xofluza effect was demonstrated in phase 3 clinical trials (CAPSTONE-1, CAPSTONE-2, BLOCKSTONE).

 

In a CAPSTONE-1 clinical trial of 1,436 patients aged 12 and over, Xofluza shortened the duration of influenza-related symptoms by more than one day compared to a placebo.

 

It had a slight edge over Tamiflu.

 

Xofluza significantly reduced the time to improve symptoms compared to placebo in high-risk groups aged 65 or older with a high risk of accompanying influenza complications (CAPSTONE-2).

 

Subsequently, as a result of prophylactic administration of Xofluza to family members in contact with influenza-infected patients, the risk of developing influenza was reduced by 90% compared to the placebo (BLOCKSTONE).

 

In order for Xofluza to be widely used like Tamiflu, it must be made.

 

Roche attempted to register Xofluza salary in 2020 but received conditional non-payment at HIRA, the first gateway.

 

The Pharmaceutical Evaluation Committee attached the condition that benefits are possible if the evaluation amount is less than or equal to the evaluation amount.

 

Xofluza is still non-reimbursed as it ran parallel in the drug price negotiation process.

 

It is not expected to be easy to apply for benefits during the 2022-2023 flu season.

 

If Xofluza is prescribed as a non-payment, the price of the drug that the patient has to pay is known to be around 80,000 won to 90,000 won.