Swine flu

Brand Tamiflu Roche

• When administered according to its approved dosage (75 mg twice daily for 5 days), there
is a reduction in the duration of influenza illness. Tamiflu also reduces the severity of
symptoms and lower respiratory tracts infections, such as bronchitis, in otherwise healthy
individuals.
• In children Tamiflu reduces the duration of influenza illness and the severity of symptoms.
There is also a reduction in incidence of associated otitis media as compared to standard
care.
• In adults Tamiflu is effective in protecting individual persons against influenza illness and is
effective in preventing outbreaks in households. In children Tamiflu is effective in reducing
the likelihood of febrile influenza in households with a positive index case. Tamiflu reduces
the overall amount of virus and significantly reduces the amount of viral shedding in the
body

Swine flu pandemics and Tamiflu

• Roche has agreed quantities and delivery schedules with more than 75 countries to date
for stockpiling of Tamiflu.
• Because of the high demand and long manufacturing lead times for Tamiflu, Roche has
made clear that it is highly unlikely to fulfill large Tamiflu orders at short notice. This is why
Roche has been encouraging governments over the last three years to stockpile in advance.
• The API (Active pharmaceutical ingredient) is available at a significantly reduced price
and Tamiflu capsules purchased by governments for pandemic use are at a
significant discount compared to the seasonal price (seasonal ex-factory price
ranges between € 20 and € 51 in Europe).
• Status in selected countries:
o China: Roche has granted sub-licenses to Shanghai Pharmaceutical Group and to
HEC Group for the overall production of oseltamivir for pandemic use in China.
o Taiwan: Roche will be in a position to deliver requested quantities during 2006.
o Vietnam: Roche has offered to provide either capsules or active pharmaceutical
ingredient for third parties to encapsulate locally.
o Korea and Malaysia: Roche is providing capsules.
o India: Roche has granted a sub-license to India’s Hetero Drugs to make oseltamivir
for India and developing countries.