Legal basis cited for by-passing Roche in producing Tamiflu
Vietnam today begins talks with Roche over Tamiflu licensing to produce the drug domestically however, there is neither vaccine nor remedy for bird flu in humans. Roche’s Tamiflu is the only antiviral drug for H5N1 prevention and treatment at present.
The health ministry enters into negotiations in Hanoi today with Swiss drug producer Roche over license for producing Tamiflu in Vietnam, said Cao Minh Quang, head of the Vietnam Drug Administration under the ministry.
If the talks fail, the ministry will still allow local companies to make the drug for non-commercial purposes, he said last week, citing Article 802 of the Civil Law and Article 51 of government Decree 63 regarding intellectual property.
If a bird flu pandemic occurs, at least 10% of the country’s 82 million people could be infected and 1% could die. Therefore, Vietnam will need 82 Tamiflu capsules for treatment as well as storage.
