Alibaba Health Launches Novel Anti-Influenza Drug Xofluza in Collaboration with Roche, Co-Develops Online Influenza Specialty Clinic

Starting July 17, Roche’s innovative anti-influenza drug Xofluza (generic Chinese name: baloxavir) officially launched exclusively on Ali Health. Ali Health will also collaborate with Roche to establish an online Influenza Specialty Center within its Respiratory Care Hub, providing users with services such as influenza education, expert Q&A, and medication guidance.

Ali Health’s Online “Influenza Specialty” Page

Influenza, or “the flu,” is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus; severe cases may lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, necessitating hospitalization. Prompt, targeted antiviral therapy is required upon influenza infection.

As an innovative agent for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients aged 12 years and older, including those at high risk for influenza-related complications, baloxavir marboxil is currently the only approved single-dose oral medication for influenza and the first antiviral drug with a novel mechanism of action approved by the FDA in nearly two decades.

Compared with traditional oral anti-influenza medications, baloxavir requires only a single dose for the entire course of treatment. It can block viral replication at an early stage, halt viral shedding within 24 hours, shorten the infectious period, and significantly reduce the duration of influenza symptoms. It offers therapeutic benefits for both previously healthy individuals infected with influenza and those at high risk for influenza-related complications.

In April this year, Xofluza received formal approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and has gradually gained recognition among China’s epidemiological experts, who regard its launch as providing a more convenient, effective, and precise solution for what was previously a challenging task in influenza treatment. On July 17, Roche chose to make its online debut of this innovative drug exclusively on Alibaba Health Pharmacy.

During the same period, the Influenza Specialty Clinic of the Respiratory Center, jointly established by Roche and Ali Health, was officially launched. Users can open the Taobao app, search for “Ali Health Pharmacy,” and upon entering the page, locate the “Influenza Specialty Clinic” entry under the “Disease Center” section. There, they can access information on influenza prevention and treatment, consult experts and pharmacists online, and purchase medications.