The currently approved classes of influenza antivirals, the M2 ion channel inhibitors and the neuraminidase inhibitors, have been widely used for the treatment of patients with influenza in many countries. However the effectiveness of the drugs, particularly in severely ill patients, has been widely debated, and widespread resistance, particularly against the M2 inhibitors in currently circulating viruses, has limited their use. Widespread resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir also occurred in A(H1N1) influenza viruses which spread globally in 2008 raising concern that such an event may be observed again in the A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. Many new influenza antivirals are currently being developed of which four are currently in late stage clinical trials: Nitazoxanide, DAS181 (Fludase), VX787 and T705 (Favipiravir). Each of these has a unique mechanism of action that appears less prone to selecting for viral resistance and also offers the potential for combination therapy with currently approved compounds.