Roche gets approval for Tamiflu use with children

European authorities have given their approval for Tamiflu (oseltamivir) to be used to treat children between the ages of one and 12.

The drug, used to prevent influenza and currently being stockpiled over fears of a flu pandemic, has already been cleared for treatment of people over the age of 12 in Europe and all ages in the US.

William Burns, chief executive of Roche Pharmaceuticals, said: “The influenza season is just starting in the northern hemisphere and Roche plans to make Tamiflu available to prevent influenza in very young children who are particularly vulnerable during an outbreak of the disease.

“This is particularly helpful in the family setting when one member of the family catches influenza – using Tamiflu for prevention will stop the spread of the disease to other family members.”

Tamiflu works by blocking an enzyme on the surface of the influenza virus that prevents it infecting other cells in the body.

The decision was based on a report that showed the protective efficacy of Tamiflu was the same in children aged one to 12 as in the whole population.

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