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Roche Announces Tamiflu(R) Antiviral Flu Medication in Ample Supply for 2008-2009 Flu Season

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 General News
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NUTLEY, N.J., Sept. 23 Roche announced today that amplesupplies of its prescription antiviral medication Tamiflu(R) (oseltamivirphosphate) will be widely available throughout the U.S. this flu season.Tamiflu, cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as animportant second line of defense against flu, is indicated for the treatmentand prevention of influenza in adults and children one year and older.
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To help ensure the medication gets to the pharmacies and people who needit, Roche coordinates a rapid response system with distributors nationwide.Through the program, pharmacists can order additional Tamiflu through atoll-free number (1-800-526-0625) and have it delivered within 24 hours by alocal distributor.
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"We understand that pharmacists do their best to stock appropriate amountsof antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, for use during flu season," saidDominick Iacuzio, Ph.D, medical director at Roche. "However, the incidenceand severity of seasonal flu remains unpredictable from year to year, and somepharmacies still may be faced with greater-than-expected demand during theseason."

Roche also created an early signaling system called FluSTAR(R) and advisespharmacies when flu may be spreading in their local area.

Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, are one of three steps (along withvaccination and good hygiene) outlined in the CDC's "Take 3" influenzainitiative. Available in a capsule and liquid suspension form, Tamiflu is theonly oral antiviral medication recommended by the CDC for influenza treatmentand prevention during the 2008-2009 flu season. Unlike the vaccine, which isreformulated each year to work against three specific strains of the virus,Tamiflu is designed to be active against all clinically relevant influenzavirus strains.

"Because Tamiflu prevents the influenza virus from spreading inside thebody, it has to be given within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms in order tobe effective," said Iacuzio. "People need to be aware of typical flusymptoms, and call the doctor quickly as soon as symptoms arise, for properdiagnosis."

While not a substitute for vaccination, prescription antiviral drugs arean important adjunct, offering a second line of defense in preventing andtreating seasonal influenza.

Flu Treatment

If a person does contract the virus, antiviral medications are availableby prescription to treat the flu. According to the CDC, "for treatment,influenza antiviral drugs should be started within two days after becomingsick and taken for five days." Tamiflu can reduce flu symptoms and shortenthe time of sickness.

Flu Prevention

Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can also be given prophylacticallyto people who have been exposed to influenza to help contain the spread incertain settings, such as family members passing the virus to one another in ahousehold.

Preventive doses of Tamiflu following exposure to the flu can also beconsidered for controlling outbreaks in closed or semi-closed settings, suchas nursing homes or dormitories. Clinical trials indicate that Tamiflu is upto 92 percent effective in preventing flu in adults - and 82 percent effectivein preventing flu in children - when taken within 48 hours of exposure.

About Tamiflu

Tamiflu, co-developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc., based in Foster City, CA,is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza caused by virusestypes A and B in patients one year and older who have had flu symptoms for nomore than two days. Tamiflu is also indicated for the prevention of influenzain patients one year and older. Tamiflu is not a substitute for annual earlyvaccination as recommended by the CDC. Prescribers should consider availableinformation on influenza drug susceptibility patterns and treatment effectswhen deciding whether to use Tamiflu.

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