Browse Topics
Tools
Internaxx Stock Market
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.3 0.50
DAX 5252.45 1.50
IBEX 30 10726.8 0.59
CAC 40 3377.59 1.40
FTSE 100 4564.5 0.79
AEX 276.85 0.95
DJIA 9096.72 -0.13
Nasdaq 1975.51 0.39
FTSE MIB 20341.67 1.65
TSX Composite 10570.54 -1.74
ASX 4148.9 -0.60
Hang seng 20135.5 -2.37
Straits Times 0.00
ISEQ 20 442.48 0.27
You are here: Home News Swiss News Roche offers Tamiflu to developing nations

03/07/2009Roche offers Tamiflu to developing nations

The Basel-based pharmaceutical giant will stockpile Tamiflu at a sharply discounted price.

Geneva -- Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche on Wednesday said it was launching a programme to produce and store anti-flu drug Tamiflu pandemic stockpiles for developing countries at a sharply discounted price.

The programme for Tamiflu -- which is one of two drugs recommended by WHO to treat swine flu -- is designed to act as a "pandemic insurance policy for the world's developing economies," said the Basel-based group.

Under the scheme, a pack of 10 capsules would be sold to developing countries at up to EUR 6 (CHF 9), about half of the usual price of EUR 12 per pack for these countries. In addition, Roche will provide storage services.

"Currently only six of the world’s countries listed as low income have a stockpile of Tamiflu which equates to 0.02 percent coverage for low income economies," said David Reddy, Roche's Global Pandemic Preparedness Task Force leader.

"This programme enables these countries to reserve Tamiflu for pandemic preparedness for their citizens at a significantly reduced price with the cost of purchase spread over the shelf life of the product thus trying to offer access with affordability."

He added that the initiative also deals with problems of "controlled storage and security" which some developing countries may be facing.

Countries worldwide have also been stockpiling Tamiflu in case of pandemic outbreaks.

The current swine flu pandemic is expected to spread more widely over the coming months in the southern hemisphere, which has entered its regular influenza season.

AFP / Expatica

0 reactions to this article

Discussion Forums

Living in Switzerland

Part time Help Needed in Switzerland, by marthaa

Living in Switzerland

Anyone interested in starting a social club in Zurich?, by AshleyH

Living in Switzerland

Does anyone know Lausanne?, by poshgaffer

Living in Switzerland

house order rules in switzerland, by bluesfinger

CH Community Noticeboard

USA Meets Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders, by Mavrik

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
How to keep fit in Switzerland

How to keep fit in Switzerland

Switzerland offers year-round sporting opportunities, from skiing in winter to swimming, golf and camping in summer.

How to open a Swiss bank account

How to open a Swiss bank account

How to open and close a Swiss bank account, plus information on confidentiality and security deposits.

Driving in Switzerland

Driving in Switzerland

How to obtain a licence, import vehicles and follow road rules in Switzerland.

Finding the perfect family home in Zurich

Finding the perfect family home in Zurich

Tips and info to help with the house hunt.