Roche’s low dose Tamiflu receives EU approval

Roche announced today that the European commission has approved its new smaller child-sized Tamiflu (oseltamivir) capsules of 30mg and 45mg doses.

Tamiflu, an oral neuraminidase inhibitor, designed to be active against all clinically relevant influenza viruses, was only previously available in 75mg capsules or as a powder of oral suspension for children.

However this lower dose capsule provides an alternative treatment for influenza types A and B in children one year and older.

Roche has also highlighted that the smaller capsules have a longer shelf life than the suspension formula (five years as opposed to two years) and so they offer an improved option for government pandemic stockpiling.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the child-sized Tamiflu capsules back in July of this year.

This summer, the Department of Health announced the awarding of advanced supply contracts for pandemic influenza vaccines with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) and Baxter Healthcare in order to protect public health in the event of a pandemic.