Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare granted approval for the anti-influenza drug oseltamivir phosphate (product name: Tamiflu) in an additional indication of "prophylaxis of influenza in adults, infants and children" in the formulation as Tamiflu dry syrup, and it granted approval for a change in the dosage and administration for Tamiflu capsules in the paediatric prophylaxis indication. Chugai markets Tamiflu in Japan.

A newly added indication will enable the prophylaxis administration of Tamiflu to infants and children under the age of 13. In addition, it has become possible to administer not only Tamiflu dry syrup but also Tamiflu capsules to children with a body weight of 37.5 kg or more, which is the same as in the current indication for treatment of influenza. Precise indication and administration methods of Tamiflu for prophylaxis usage are described in detail in the package insert. It is Chugai's intent to provide information on appropriate usage so that Tamiflu is administered in a proper fashion.

When used for the purpose of "prophylaxis of A or B-type influenza," Tamiflu will not be reimbursed by the national health insurance.

Chugai believes that, with the addition of the approved indication of "prophylaxis use in infants and children under the age of 13," Tamiflu can contribute further to the fight against influenza infection.