China Approves Groundbreaking Influenza Drug Onladivir

World’s First PB2-Targeted Treatment Developed Under Zhong Nanshan’s Leadership

China has approved Onladivir, a first-in-class influenza treatment targeting the PB2 subunit of influenza A virus RNA polymerase, marking a significant advancement in global antiviral therapy, Guangzhou Laboratory announced today.

Drug Characteristics

Clinical Significance

Developed under the leadership of renowned pulmonologist Zhong Nanshan, Onladivir addresses critical challenges:

• Overcomes growing resistance to existing treatments
• Provides domestic alternative to imported drugs
• Demonstrated superior performance vs. oseltamivir in Phase III trials
• Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and The Lancet Respiratory Medicine

Expert Commentary

Academician Zhong Nanshan emphasized:

“The emergence of drug resistance has been our greatest challenge. Onladivir’s novel mechanism provides a crucial solution, representing China’s transition from following to leading in antiviral development.”

Chen Xiaoxin of Zhongsheng Ruichuang Biotech noted:

“With fully domestic production capacity, we can ensure supply chain security for China and global influenza preparedness.”

Development Background

The achievement reflects:

• 15+ years of collaborative research
• Patents secured in China, U.S. and other countries
• National system integrating research, clinical and industrial resources

Future Directions

Next steps include:

• Expanding applications through AI and big data
• Developing broad-spectrum antivirals
• Ensuring affordable patient access

The successful development of Onladivir demonstrates China’s growing capability to address global health challenges through innovative drug development, potentially transforming seasonal and pandemic influenza management worldwide.

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