Tamiflu Developer Calls Hong Kong Tamiflu Restriction ‘Stupid’
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
A scientist who helped develop Roche Holding's Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) drug says the effort by Hong Kong authorities to restrict dispensing of the drug during a recent flu outbreak was stupid. Authorities advised physicians to limit the drug to patients suffering complications, fearing overuse could cause resistance. Graeme Laver, a professor who helped develop the drug, said the virus on which Tamiflu is based will not mutate into a resistant variety and urged it be given on a non-prescription basis. (Click here for more