On 18 July Zenshine Pharma's ZX-7101A, a next-generation PA endonuclease inhibitor, received in its China homeland National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval for treating uncomplicated influenza A and B in healthy adults. The oral antiviral demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against avian flu strains and reduced median symptom duration to 34.7–48.4 hours versus 62.9–63.6 hours for placebo in Phase II/III trials (n=900).

ZX-7101A also accelerated viral RNA clearance and fever resolution with a favourable safety profile (41.8–44.2% adverse events vs 53.8% placebo). As the first China-developed PA inhibitor, it expands options beyond Roche's Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), with potential advantages in dosing and resistance profiles. Zenshine plans to explore combinations for high-risk patients in future studies.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, China dominates the PA endonuclease inhibitor field, with 18 mainland China-based companies among a total of 24 currently developing these therapies. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.