Domestic drug major Cipla, which is gearing up to produce generic oseltamivir, the copy cat version of Roche's patented Tamiflu drug, targets to make the drug for one to two lakh patients, initially. The company has ruled out a possible contract manufacturing arrangement with Roche, the license holder for the anti-flu drug.

Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Yusuf Hamied, chairman of Cipla Ltd. said that the company officials would soon meet Roche authorities to discuss the licensing option to make the generic version.

Commenting on the urgency of producing the cheaper version of the drug, he said not only Cipla but other firms should also be allowed to manufacture the drug at a time when millions around the world are facing a catastrophe by the disease.

``I am of the opinion that not only Cipla, but other companies also should be allowed to make adequate drug in the event of an outbreak, especially in countries like India. If Roche is ready to publicise the details and demand a royalty, in that event Cipla is also ready to acquire the technology by paying the fees," added Hamied..

He told Pharmabiz that it was up to the Indian Government to decide on invoking the compulsory licensing provision to meet the emergency. "The Indian authorities have to react on this if they feel it is necessary to protect the lives of our people. Cipla is ready to supply the drug in India and other 49 under developed countries at affordable prices in the event of an outbreak," said Hamied.

However, he declined to reveal the price for oseltamivir. Roche sells Tamiflu at $ 60 per a 10 strip tablet and for government supplies at half the rate.

He also cited the ongoing dispute between the drug inventor Gilead Sciences and Roche on the rights of Tamiflu. Gilead Sciences, Inc. has delivered a notice of termination to Roche for material breach of the license agreement in 1996, which could result in the rights to Tamiflu held by Roche reverting to Gilead.

As reported earlier, the Indian Government is yet to take a decision whether or not the compulsory licensing clause could be invoked as the product patent application for Tamiflu is pending in the patent mailbox.