FDA Approves First New Type Of Flu Drug In 2 Decades

Wednesday's approval of Xofluza for people age 12 and older comes ahead of the brunt of this winter's flu season.

The new pill can reduce flu symptoms after one just dose. It's developed by the Roche Group and Japan's Shionogi.

"This novel drug provides an important, additional treatment option," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb.

It works about as well as Tamiflu, Roche's older flu treatment, which is also available in cheaper generic versions.

ALSO: 80,000 Deaths Caused By Flu Last Season, CDC Says

Health officials have said an estimated 80,000 Americans died of flu and its complications last winter, the disease's highest death toll in at least four decades.

Roche's Genentech unit plans to launch Xofluza within a few weeks. It will cost $150 without insurance.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)