Roche Holding AG has announced plans to increase the production capacity of its antiviral drug Tamiflu to 300 million doses per year by 2007, in response to the need for pandemic flu preparedness.
Roche stated that this production level is ten times higher than that of 2004. “The needs of patients during a pandemic are our top priority,” affirmed the company’s CEO, William M. Burns.
The demand for Tamiflu surged suddenly after doctors believed the drug could prevent and treat avian influenza if taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. The drug became increasingly valuable, especially in the absence of a vaccine for avian influenza in humans.
Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that governments stockpile sufficient antiviral drugs and seasonal flu vaccines for at least 25% of their populations. In light of this goal, Roche, the only supplier of Tamiflu globally, is struggling to meet the demand. The international community has urged the company to relax its control over production, despite the fact that the patents will not expire for over ten more years.
Recently, Roche received requests from over 150 governments and companies seeking assistance with production. These proposals include licensing the production of a generic version of Tamiflu (at a lower cost) or participating in partial production support. The company has begun negotiations with eight pharmaceutical firms worldwide, as well as the governments of Taiwan and Vietnam. The results of the potential partner selection will be announced by the end of this month.
Mỹ Linh (according to AP)