What kind of company is Tamiflu?

About Tamiflu

Tamiflu is a brand name for the drug oseltamivir phosphate and is a prescription medication used for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B viruses in people aged two weeks or older. Tamiflu is manufactured by Roche Laboratories, and it was initially approved by the US FDA in 1999.

Tamiflu works by blocking the viral neuraminidase enzyme, which is required for the virus to replicate in the body. It is considered an antiviral medication used to reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Tamiflu is taken orally in the form of capsules or liquid suspension, and the dosage varies depending on age, weight, and severity of symptoms.

Varieties of TamifluTamiflu comes in two forms, the 30 mg and 75 mg capsules. Both contain the active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate, but the 30 mg capsules are used for the treatment of children older than 2 weeks of age, while the 75 mg capsules are for adults and adolescents 13 years and older.

Roche, the Company behind Tamiflu

Roche, headquartered in Switzerland, is a multinational healthcare company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. It is the parent company of Genentech and Chugai Pharmaceutical and employs more than 94,000 people worldwide.

The company's history dates back to the 19th century, with the establishment of Fritz Hoffman-La Roche's Laboratory in Basel, Switzerland. It has grown to become one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world, with a focus on oncology, neurosciences, infectious diseases, and immunology.

Tamiflu is one of the company's key products and has been used worldwide as a treatment for influenza. However, the drug has been the subject of controversy due to concerns about its efficacy, side effects, and whether the drug can reliably prevent the spread of flu.

Despite this, Roche continues to supply Tamiflu globally, with the drug being stockpiled and used as part of pandemic preparedness plans in several countries.