Cipla offers H1N1 virus drug supply to US
Cipla offers H1N1 virus drug supply to US
Mumbai: Indian drug maker Cipla Ltd has offered to supply its generic version of Roche’s Tamiflu, used in the treatment of the H1N1 swine flu virus, to the United States, its chairman said on Wednesday.
H1N1 swine flu, which broke out earlier this year, was declared a pandemic in June and continues to spread globally.
“Apparently there is a shortage in the United States," Y K Hamied, also the managing director of the company said at a media briefing during the launch of its drug.
“We have made an offer...(its) up to them."
The company can produce 2 million doses of Oseltamivir a month if needed, he added.
Cipla has so far clocked revenue of more than $10 million by exporting the drug to several countries in Latin America, Africa, some parts of west Asia and south east Asia.
Patents protection for Roche’s Tamiflu in US and Europe has not allowed Cipla to sell its generic version in these two geographies, he added.
In India, it has already supplied 1-2 million capsules to the government, he added.
Cipla’s Oseltamivir brand, called Antiflu, will cost Rs475 for 10 capsules, with 75 ml syrup will be similarly priced and will be sold at selected pharmacies in India.
Cipla’s drug is also pre-qualified by the World Health Organization.
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