An I a science nerd (retired microbiologist)? Yes I am.


Two neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), have been licensed for use for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. We have reported on laninamivir (code name, R-125489), a novel neuraminidase inhibitor, and have discovered that the laninamivir prodrug CS-8958 worked as a long-acting neuraminidase inhibitor in a mouse influenza virus infection model when it is intranasally administered. In this study, CS-8958 was administered just once 7 days before infection and showed significant efficacy in vivo. The efficacy of a single administration of CS-8958 after viral infection was then compared with that of repeated administrations of oseltamivir phosphate or zanamivir in mice and ferrets. CS-8958 showed efficacy superior or similar to the efficacies of the two licensed NA inhibitors. CS-8958 also significantly reduced the titers of an oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 virus with a neuraminidase H274Y substitution in a mouse infection model. These results suggest that since CS-8958 is characteristically long lasting in the lungs, it may be ideal for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20047917

CS-8958 = LANI

The simple answer,

"A single inhalation of laninamivir octanoate is effective for the treatment of seasonal influenza, including that caused by oseltamivir-resistant virus in adults."

laninamivir = LANI
oseltamivir = Tamiflu


The long answer,

Source,
http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/10/1167.full.pdf

Australia's loss is a U.S. gain. The Australian Biota management believed PR was unnecessary and the solid science was enough. Good riddance. A smarter U.S. Biota management was long overdue. At last Biota will shine.