BD firm plans to export version of Tamiflu

DHAKA: A Bangladesh company plans to ramp up production of a local version of Tamiflu for export, as nations around the world stockpile the anti-viral drug to try to limit the impact of a feared pandemic of bird flu.

Tamiflu, made by Swiss drug maker Roche, is among a very small number of drugs that can help limit the severity of the H5N1 avian flu virus in humans if given early enough.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited (BPL), the country’s leading drug manufacturer, said it planned to export its version of Tamiflu, called Oseflu, a senior company official said on Monday.

“We have already produced 5,000 treatment doses and will have another 200,000 in next two months for export,” said Nazmul Hassan, chief executive officer of BPL. Reuters

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