GC said Thursday that it has received additional approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to expand the indication for Peramiflu, an influenza vaccine, to children and patients with severe flu.

Peramiflu, launched in 2010, is an antiviral drug that treats both types A and B virus infections that are currently on the rise. The drug is the only injectable treatment for influenza, while other therapies consist of oral medicines such as capsules and inhaled remedies.

Until now, the treatment was available for patients over the age of 19. With the change in the product’s license, however, medical professionals can now use the therapy to treat influenza in children over two years old and increase dose in patients with severe influenza symptoms.

Compared to oral medication that requires the patient to take five to 10 times a day, Peramiflu only requires a single injection that takes 15 to 30 minutes. Such shortened procedures can increase convenience for infants and patients with severe influenza symptoms, who have difficulty taking long-term medication or inhaling the drug through their nose.

Other benefits include quick alleviation of fever symptoms and fewer side effects such as vomiting and nausea when taking flu medicines.

“More than half of the influenza patients are less than 19 years of age,” said Yoo Ji-hyun, a section chief for GC. “The company expects Peramiflu will become a new alternative treatment in the influenza vaccine market with its differentiated advantages.”