This article reports about the clinical trial  (phase 3) which assessed the efficacy of intravenous zanamivir compared to routinely administered oral antiviral oseltamivir. The intravenous efficacy of the molecule was assessed so that the therapy can also be introduced where oral administration or inhaled formulation do not work or are not feasible. Study Background Globally influenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality every year. Few influenza treatment options exist, and antiviral resistance remains a serious concern.

In this regard, a recent addition of highly pathogenic influenza strains (H5N1 and H7N9) and future pandemics possess a serious challenge worldwide. Zanamivir (a neuraminidase inhibitor) is approved as an inhaled powder treatment and prophylaxis of acute uncomplicated influenza in adults and children elder than 5 years. Data from observational studies suggest…