Japanese fast-track approval for single-dose flu drug

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has approved single-dose influenza drug Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) for the treatment of influenza types A and B.

Drug major Shionogi’s (TYO: 4507) Xofluza was reviewed under a fast-track process the ministry introduced in 2015 and will go on sale as soon as prices are set, said the company, whose shares were up 2.73% to 5,688 yen.

The treatment may not be available in Japan prior to May as the national insurer has not yet set a price, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a Shionogi spokesman.