Oseltamivir

Researchers have revealed that Roche's Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) works against the bird flu virus H5N1 strain. The drug is effective against avian and human forms of the virus. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) has been found to be effective against the strain that is now hitting Vietnam and Thailand.

Tamiflu as an anti-viral drug

• prevent widespread influenza outbreaks in shared living facilities, such as nursing homes and college dormitories
• provide protection during the period of time needed for the flu shot to take effect
• protect individuals who are unable to receive flu vaccinations. (If you are pregnant or allergic to eggs, ask your doctor about whether or not you should get a flu shot.)

Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor, it blocks the action of the viral enzymes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has mentioned Tamiflu as the drug for tackling bird flu if ever a human pandemic breaks out. Tamiflu has been used effectively in other strains of bird flu. For example, in the Netherlands, in 2003, when 1,000 people were infected with the H7N7 strain, the drug proved to be very effective. Tamiflu is currently used in Europe, USA and Japan for type A and B influenzas. It now seems that it is also effective against the bird (avian) flu virus H5N1 strain.

Many health experts around the world have warned of the risk of a massive outbreak of human to human bird flu. The WHO says Tamiflu could be the drug of choice for this pandemic.

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