Efficacy of baloxavir marboxil against bovine H5N1 virus in mice
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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Maki Kiso1, Ryuta Uraki1,2,3, Seiya Yamayoshi1,2,3
1Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA), University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Since the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in U.S. dairy cattle in early 2024, the virus has spread rapidly, posing a major public health concern as the number of human cases continues to rise. Although human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed, experimental data suggest that the bovine H5N1 virus can transmit via respiratory droplets in ferrets, highlighting its pandemic potential. With no vaccines currently available, antiviral drugs remain the only treatment option. Here, we investigate the efficacy of the polymerase inhibitor baloxavir marboxil (BXM) against this virus in mice. We find that early treatment post-infection is effective, but delayed treatment significantly reduces BXM efficacy and increases the risk of BXM resistance, underscoring the importance of timely BXM administration for effective treatment.
