Phase III trials of Biota’s neuraminidase inhibitor CS-8958 for influenza are set to begin in several centres throughout Asia.

CS-8958, which was discovered by Japanese pharma Daiichi Sankyo and is co-owned by Biota, is a long-acting neuraminidase inhibitor (LANI) that early trials suggest is effective against influenza A and B as well as the H5N1 bird flu virus.

It is hoped that a single inhaled dose will be efficacious for treatment of flu and another once a week for prophylaxis.

The Phase III trial, nicknamed MARVEL, will be conducted in multiple centres in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea, in time for the Asian flu season. As well as the Phase III trial in adults, a Phase II/III study will be conducted in Japan for paediatric indications.

The duration of the trial will depend on the availability of patients and the extent of the flu season, Biota said in a statement.