Roche choses 12 potential partners to produce the influenza treatment Tamiflu
Roche has completed its evaluation of around 200 third parties interested in the manufacture of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate). Twelve potential partners are to be invited for further in depth negotiations.
Roche has completed its evaluation of around 200 third parties interested in the manufacture of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate). Twelve potential partners are to be invited for further in depth negotiations.
William Burns, ceo of Roche Pharma Division, said: 'Following our open invitation to third parties we have established a short list of partners who can be ready to expand the capacity beyond 300 million treatments annually by 2007. As yet we have not identified anyone who could significantly speed up the agreed delivery timelines for the first half of 2006, but we have been able to identify partners to insure against breakdowns in supply and partners to broaden geographic coverage. Based on the current orders we have received from governments around the world our capacity to produce 300 million treatments by 2007 is significantly ahead of demand.'
In addition, Roche and Shanghai Pharmaceutical Group have signed the first sub-licensing agreement for the overall production of oseltamivir for pandemic use in China. Roche is also in negotiations for local partnerships in other countries.
Tamiflu was discovered by Gilead and developed jointly by Gilead and Roche. Roche has exclusive worldwide rights for the manufacturing and marketing of Tamiflu and continues to work in partnership with Gilead.