Baloxavir marboxil differs mechanistically from oseltamivir in the treatment of influenza. Its molecular target is:

• A Viral neuraminidase
• B M2 proton channel
• C RNA-dependent RNA polymerase PB2 subunit
• D Cap-dependent endonuclease of the polymerase acidic protein ✓

Explanation

Baloxavir marboxil is activated by hydrolysis to baloxavir acid, which selectively inhibits the cap-dependent endonuclease function of the influenza PA subunit. This enzyme snatches host mRNA caps to prime viral mRNA transcription, so inhibition blocks replication at an entirely different step from neuraminidase cleavage of sialic acid residues, which is oseltamivir's target. Adamantanes block the M2 ion channel and are obsolete because of widespread resistance.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.