Discovery of an inhaled and long-acting anti-influenza drug

Abstract

Laninamivir octanoate (Inavir®)(1) was discovered as an inhaled anti-influenza drug by Daiichi Sankyo. It was launched for the treatment of influenza in October, 2010. Laninamivir octanoate(1) is the laninamivir(2) derivative with octanoyl moiety at C-9 position, which is a prodrug of laninamivir(2). This acylation to hydroxyl group at C-9 position of laninamivir(2) generated its drastic drug efficacy improvement for the treatment of influenza, and the prodrug shows its interesting drug profile such as “single administration for the treatment of influenza”. In this review, I will introduce the discovery story on Laninamivir octanoate(1) and its interesting drug profile. © 2012, THE JAPAN SOCIETY OF DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM. All rights reserved.