GSK and Roche boost flu drugs

GlaxoSmithKline has granted Nanjing, China-based Simcere Pharmaceutical Group the rights to manufacture and sell the GSK influenza drug Relenza in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and all least developed countries. Relenza has been in short supply worldwide since fears began mounting about a possible avian flu pandemic. GSK has said it is spending about $100 million to boost output of Relenza (C&EN, April 10, page 33). Meanwhile, Roche says it does not expect any shortage this winter of Tamiflu, a seasonal flu drug that is also considered the first line of defense against bird flu. The company says its annual capacity will reach 400 million treatments by the end of 2006.