Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, had officially announced the launch of its Direct-to-Patient (DTP) program, which applies to Xofluza® (baloxavir marboxil), a single-dose oral antiviral medication used to treat the flu in patients aged five and up, as well as those who have been exposed to the flu.
According to certain reports, this particular program arrives on the scene bearing an ability to reduce costs for people who don’t have insurance, have limited coverage, or whose health plans don’t cover Xofluza.
To understand the significance of such a development, we must take into account how influenza remains a significant public health burden. In fact, just last year, U.S. saw a severe flu season impacting all age groups–children, adults, and the elderly.
You see, going by a study published by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overall burden of influenza for the 2024-25 season was the most severe since the 2017-18 season, with an estimated 47-82 million illnesses, 21-37 million medical visits, 610,000-1,300,000 hospitalizations, and 27,000-130,000 deaths.
Against that, Xofluza brings to the fore an innovative mechanism of action designed to block viral replication by inhibiting the cap-dependent endonuclease protein, potentially reducing the duration of infectiousness and disease. For better understanding, the drug has already showcased efficacy in a wide range of influenza viruses, including in vitro activity against oseltamivir-resistant strains and avian strains (H7N9, H5N1) in non-clinical studies.
At present, the given therapeutic is approved in more than 80 countries for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza types A and B. If we talk just about U.S., Xofluza is approved for the treatment of influenza in people five years of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours and who are otherwise healthy or at high risk of developing influenza-related complications, and to prevent influenza in people five years of age and older following contact with a person who has influenza (post-exposure prophylaxis).
All in all, the drug in question makes for the first influenza antiviral approved in almost 20 years, meant to facilitate treatment in children five and older, adolescents, and adults.
Another detail worth a mention is rooted in how Genentech is collaborating with three pharmacies to offer the medication with a prescription. These pharmacies include Alto Pharmacy Powered by Fuze Health, Amazon Pharmacy, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company.
As per this arrangement, customers can avail a new $50 cash pay option, which is lower than 70 percent lower than the list price. The said option is available to eligible patients via Alto Pharmacy and Cost Plus Drugs.
Next up, there is a same-day home delivery across select markets through Alto Pharmacy. This particular operation will be further backed by Fuze Health and Amazon Pharmacy. In case that wasn’t enough, home delivery via mail is also available nationwide through all three pharmacies for those who wish to use Xofluza as a prophylaxis treatment.
“This new approach will allow for convenient, same-day delivery of our vital flu treatment in select U.S. markets,” said Ashley Magargee, chief executive officer of Genentech. “Expanding our distribution for Xofluza will allow us to reach more patients where they are increasingly interested in seeking their medicines.”
