Roche confirmed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has requested deployment of the rapid response stockpile. The stockpile is being deployed to countries in need at the discretion of WHO.

The stockpiles include both the two million treatment courses held by the WHO and the three million treatment course rapid response stockpile held by Roche.

David Reddy, Roche's pandemic taskforce leader commented, "Roche is committed to support WHO and governments. We can confirm that WHO has asked us to activate our rapid response stockpile. Also, Roche is scaling up production in the best interest of all stakeholders."

In addition, Roche is continuing to maximise manufacturing output of Tamiflu to meet the growing demand. Over the past week Roche has been ramping up Tamiflu output at multiple points in the supply chain. Production ramp up will continue over time resulting in a continuous and increasing flow of Tamiflu.

Roche is committed to supporting Governments in combating this outbreak of influenza and is working closely with them to supply orders of Tamiflu as requested.