Roche ‘taking steps’ to prepare for flu pandemic

Roche has announced that the company is taking the necessary steps to prepare for an influenza pandemic, with a recent regulatory announcement facilitating the stockpiling of smaller doses of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate).

The company reports the continuing availability of 75 mg capsules of the compound for adults, while the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a supplemental new drug application for the marketing of smaller 30 mg and 45 mg doses.

Liquid suspension of the compound for use by children remains available, while the smaller capsule doses will be stockpiled by governments in time for the 2007-08 influenza season.

Tamiflu, a medication developed together with Gilead Sciences, is a treatment for influenza types A and B – the most common forms of the condition.

Dominick Iacuzio, medical director at Roche, said: “Roche continues to take steps to facilitate the use of antivirals in pandemic preparedness and response.”

He added that in addition to giving governments a new pandemic stockpiling option, the launch of smaller doses of Tamiflu gives physicians an alternative options for patients who prefer capsules to liquid suspension of the drug.

In February 2007, Roche announced an application with European regulators for approval for 30 mg and 45 mg Tamiflu capsules, with this request granted an accelerated review and the company expecting the receipt of approval by this summer.