MHLW Extends GSK’s Relenza Expiration Date

Executive Summary

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare extended expiration dates for its stockpile of flu drug Relenza (zanamivir) from its current five to seven years. The decision was based on clinical data provided by Relenza maker GlaxoSmithKline showing no change in the drug's efficacy and safety in seven years. The Ministry took a similar measure and extended expiration dates for another flu drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir) to seven years last November. Since 2006, Japanese central and local governments have stockpiled enough Relenza to treat 4.68 million people. (Click here for more - Japanese language