ZURICH, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche said the European Commission approved its Xofluza to treat influenza in patients aged 12 years and above, the first new influenza antiviral for patients in almost 20 years, Roche said on Monday.

The European Commission approved single-dose, oral Xofluza for treatment of uncomplicated influenza in patients aged 12 years and above as well as for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza, Roche said in a statement.

Roche received approval for Xofluza from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October. (Reporting by Silke Koltrowitz; editing by Thomas Seythal)