behaviour of neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu ® ) and zanamivir (Relenza ® ) should be unaffected. Indeed, initial clinical reports suggest that the new virus is susceptible to the two drugs [40] . Our findings support this notion and provide a molecular mechanism. Furthermore, the third currently tested neuraminidase inhibitor, peramivir, should also be effective since it also shares the same binding pocket.