Roche Explores New Strategies to Boost Sales of Flu Treatment Tamiflu

Strategic Insights -

Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical group, is taking steps to further boost sales of its flu treatment Tamiflu. The company is initiating clinical trials to test whether Tamiflu is more effective when taken at higher concentrations and for up to twice as long as the current five-day recommendation. This move comes as the company reports a significant surge in sales of the drug, with second-quarter earnings expected to show a sharp jump following a surge in orders from governments and companies triggered by the swine flu pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Roche is exploring ways to offer Tamiflu over longer periods and at higher doses, which could further boost sales of the blockbuster antiviral medicine.
  • The company is conducting clinical trials to test whether Tamiflu is more effective when taken in higher concentrations and for up to twice as long as the current five-day recommendation.
  • Roche reports significant interest in Tamiflu, with first-quarter sales rising 38% to SFr401m ($369m).
  • The company has increased production to respond to surging demand and is now selling the drug directly to companies and private clients, in addition to fulfilling government pandemic orders.
  • Roche is also offering governments the option to take back older batches of Tamiflu for reprocessing and re-issue, further increasing sales.
  • The company has played down concerns about reports of a form of the pandemic flu virus resistant to Tamiflu, stating that it remains within the long-identified 0.4% of patients with resistance to treatment for seasonal flu.

Statistics:

  • First-quarter Tamiflu sales rose 38% to SFr401m ($369m).
  • Roche reports significant interest in Tamiflu, with sales expected to show a sharp jump in the second quarter.
  • Production of Tamiflu has risen sharply in recent weeks to respond to surging demand.
  • The company is now offering governments the option to take back older batches of Tamiflu for reprocessing and re-issue, further increasing sales.

Sources:

  • Financial Times:

"Roche to test Tamiflu effectiveness in clinical trial" (undated)