China Approves Innovative Homegrown Influenza Treatment Onradivir

On June 11, 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China announced the approval of a novel antiviral medication, Onradivir, designed for the treatment of uncomplicated Influenza A in adult patients. This groundbreaking drug, developed in collaboration with Raynovent, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and leading respiratory disease research institutions, represents a significant advancement in the global fight against influenza, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually worldwide.

The approval of Onradivir adds to the existing arsenal of antiviral treatments, providing patients with a new option that targets a unique protein within the influenza virus. Specifically, Onradivir acts on the PB2 protein of the virus's RNA polymerase, a novel approach that distinguishes it from current treatments such as oseltamivir and baloxavir marboxil. According to Raynovent, Onradivir is the first anti-influenza drug that utilizes this mechanism, which is expected to reduce the likelihood of viral resistance, a common issue with existing antiviral medications.

Globally, influenza affects approximately 1 billion individuals each year, resulting in 3 to 5 million severe cases and causing between 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The introduction of Onradivir is crucial as it provides a new line of defense against this widespread and dangerous virus.

Zhong Nanshan, a prominent respiratory expert and academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted the efficacy of Onradivir during a press conference. He stated, "The drug can alleviate symptoms and significantly reduce the viral load within 24 hours, thereby decreasing the likelihood of transmission." These findings were echoed by Li Tongzeng, chief physician at Beijing You'an Hospital, who emphasized that Onradivir's unique mechanism of action offers hope for effective treatment even in cases where resistance to other antiviral drugs has developed. Li remarked, "This approval marks China's fourth anti-influenza drug, and with Onradivir, we gain another weapon in our arsenal for the upcoming flu season."

The medication is administered as a 0.6-gram tablet, with a recommended dosage of three tablets daily for five consecutive days. Preliminary studies indicate that Onradivir acts faster than its predecessors, making it a promising addition to influenza treatment protocols.

The development of Onradivir reflects China's commitment to advancing healthcare solutions and addressing public health challenges. It is part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic pharmaceutical innovation and improve global health outcomes. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of influenza, the introduction of Onradivir signifies a hopeful step forward in combating this pervasive virus.

In light of these developments, the global health community will be closely monitoring the impact of Onradivir on influenza treatment and resistance patterns, as well as its potential integration into national healthcare systems. Experts anticipate that this new medication could significantly alter the landscape of antiviral treatment, particularly as the next flu season approaches.