N.Z. Tamiflu Stocks Feared Ineffective Against New Flu Strain
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
New Zealand authorities fear the nation's stockpile of Roche's Tamiflu (oseltamivir) retroviral against influenza may not be useful due to a rapid spread of drug-resistant forms of the virus. In addition, 103 of the 1,229 treatment courses the government bought already have expired. World Health Organization tests showed a third of those with the H1N1 flu strain in South Africa had a drug-resistant form, even though only one of the 107 had been taking Tamiflu. Similar tests in 12 other countries through Aug. 20 also found H274Y mutations resistant to the drug. (Click here for more