The FDA today cleared a new drug for treating influenza, the first in 20 years. Xofluza (baloxovir) appears to have about the same efficacy as oseltamivir in reducing symptoms of patients with uncomplicated influenza infections. Maybe a little better:
From Baloxavir Marboxil for Uncomplicated Influenza in Adults and Adolescents
Baloxavir attacks a different target (RNA replication) than oseltamivir (neuraminidase), so it might be especially valuable in treating oseltamivir-resistant strains of influenza.
But it doesn’t look hugely more effective than oseltamivir, and we don’t yet know its effects on reducing mortality for severe or complicated flu, or its effectiveness as a prophylactic. Considering that we are still arguing about these issues for oseltamivir, it is unlikely we will have clear answers soon.
I still stick with my assertion that flu is a much more likely cause of apocalypse than are antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.