FDA Approves First New Flu Drug in 20 Years

​For the first time in 20 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new flu drug, the agency announced October 24, 2018. Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is an antiviral drug that can be taken in a single oral dose. It has been shown in clinical trials to alleviate symptoms of the flu, FDA said. The new drug is not approved for young children. Although FDA has approved several antiviral drugs to treat flu, "they're not a substitute for yearly vaccination," said FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb.