The approval is meant to boost competition and affordability, with the FDA saying generics fill 9 out of 10 U.S. prescriptions.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic version of Xofluza , manufactured by Norwich Pharmaceuticals, as a single-dose treatment for acute uncomplicated influenza in patients five years and older.
The FDA stated the approval reflects the Trump Administration's commitment to increasing generic drug availability; generics currently account for nine out of 10 prescriptions filled in the U.S.
Unlike other antiviral medications requiring twice-daily doses for five days, baloxavir is taken as a single dose, potentially improving treatment completion rates and affordability for patients.
"Today's approval marks a meaningful milestone for the treatment of influenza," said Iilun Murphy, director of the Office of Generic Drugs in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research .
Vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe influenza risk; health experts emphasize this generic is a treatment, not a substitute for preventative shots.