Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd (Chugai) announced the supply plan up to March 2010, of the anti-influenza drug Tamiflu capsule 75 and Tamiflu dry syrup 3% (generic name: oseltamivir phosphate) imported from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd for production and marketing in Japan.
In 2008, the Japanese government determined a policy that Japan's stockpile of anti-influenza drugs would be increased to cover 45 per cent of the population as a reinforced protection against the new influenza pandemic. In response to this, Chugai has strengthened domestic manufacturing capacity since March 2009 to supply the products for stockpile by the Japanese and prefectural governments as early as possible.
In May 2009, cases of swine A (H1N1) influenza were confirmed in Japan. Since the number of patients infected with the strain has been increasing and most of the population has no immunity against the strain, there is a concern about outbreaks of pandemic from the new strain in the coming fall and winter season.
Taking into consideration these situations, Chugai has decided to provide a new seasonal supply of 12 million treatment courses by March 2010 in addition to the current stock in the channel, so that all medical institutions in Japan can provide sufficient treatments against infections with both the new and seasonal influenza strains. This new supply will cover approximately 10 per cent of the Japanese population, which is three times more of the amount supplied to the medical institutions last season.
The supply plan will be reviewed based on the epidemic situation.
Chugai is committed to be fully prepared to assist in the possible measure to fight against influenza epidemic.