title: Peramivir: an intravenous neuraminidase inhibitor.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peramivir (BCX-1812, RWJ-270201) is a highly selective inhibitor of influenza A and B neuraminidase that has recently been approved in the USA by the FDA to treat acute, uncomplicated influenza in adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review examines the discovery and development of peramavir as well as its role in the treatment of influenza. Peramivir is currently the only FDA-approved anti-influenza agent that can be given as an intravenous injection, granting it a unique role in therapy with the potential to improve adherence and outcomes in patients who are unable to tolerate oral agents. In vitro, animal, human and safety data are presented as well as information regarding special populations, resistance and drug approval.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical trial data support the use of peramivir to relieve influenza symptoms in acute, uncomplicated influenza, with improvements over placebo similar to those of other approved anti-influenza treatments. The ability to give a one-time injectable dose offers improved adherence over currently available oral regimens. While not approved for hospitalized patients, available data suggest that multiple dose peramivir may also have a role in treatment of severally ill, hospitalized patients. Supportive data for the use of peramivir in special patient populations such as pediatrics and those especially at-risk to develop severe influenza symptoms are promising; however, they require further study.
authors.affiliation: Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy , 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL , USA.
authors.forename: Milena M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.forename: Erik W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Skoglund
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ison
mesh_terms: D000146:Acids, Carbocyclic; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003517:Cyclopentanes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral; D006146:Guanidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000146:Acids, Carbocyclic; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D003517:Cyclopentanes; D006146:Guanidines; D009439:Neuraminidase; C414210:peramivir
keywords: influenza; neuraminidase inhibitor; oseltamivir; peramivir; zanamivir