Roche gives more Tamiflu treatment courses to WHO

Roche has given more treatment courses of the antiviral Tamiflu (oseltamivir) to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

A total of 110 million packs are set to be produced in the next five months and today (May 12th) saw 5.65 million created for the group.

This consists of regional stockpile and rapid response replenishments together with a new paediatric lot of 30 mg and 45 mg capsules.

Head of Roche’s global pandemic preparedness task force Dr David Reddy said the company has been increasing production of Tamiflu throughout the supply chain.

Chief executive officer of the pharmaceuticals division William M Burns added: “The recent outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) shows that such a virus can be totally unexpected and spread rapidly around the globe.

“This emphasises the urgency of restoring WHO and Roche Rapid Response Stockpiles.”

Meanwhile, earlier this month saw Avastin (bevacizumab) approved.

Roche’s drug is aimed as a treatment option for those with glioblastoma with progressive disease following therapy.