Mumbai: As fears of a swine flu pandemic spread, the maker of the antidote Tamiflu has geared up to meet the increased demand. Indian generic drug maker Cipla Ltd, which sells Tamiflu in India, has stocked up inventory to meet any emergency demand.
“We have the inventory and the stock and can supply about 1.5 million doses in four-six weeks. Availability should not be a problem,” managing director Amar Lulla said.
Swine influenza is a respiratory disease found in pigs and can be contracted by humans. Swiss drug maker F Hoffmann–La Roche Ltd makes the oseltamivir anti-viral medicine under the trade name Tamiflu.
“I think there’s more potential for exports due to overseas demand. WHO (World Health Organization) has already advised governments to ensure stockpiling is done,” Lulla said.
cnbctv18@livemint.com