Zanamivir (Relenza)

Zanamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor used in the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza caused by influenza A and B viruses. It was developed by the Australian biotech firm Biota Holdings. It was licensed to Glaxo in 1990 and approved in the US in 1999, only for use as a treatment for influenza. In 2006, it was approved for prevention of influenza A and B. Zanamivir was the first neuraminidase inhibitor commercially developed. It is currently marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Relenza as a powder for oral inhalation.