FDA Expands Peramivir Injection for Children With Acute Uncomplicated Influenza

BioCryst announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the use of Rapivab (peramivir injection) to pediatric patients aged ≥2 years with acute uncomplicated influenza who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days. 

Prior to the approval, Rapivab was indicated for use in patients aged ≥18 years. The pediatric approval was supported by interim data from an analysis of an ongoing pediatric clinical study. The findings were presented at the IDWeek 2017 Meeting in San Diego, CA. 

Rapivab inhibits influenza virus neuraminidase, an enzyme that releases viral particles from the plasma membrane of infected cells. The antiviral activity of peramivir was determined in cell culture. 

Rapivab is available as a 10mg/mL strength solution for intravenous (IV) injection in 3-count single-use vials. 

Reference

Rapivab™ [package insert]. Summit, New Jersey: Seqirus USA Inc., 2014

This article originally appeared on MPR