GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has signed a licensing agreement with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group of Nanjing, China, granting Simcere the right to manufacture and sell the anti-viral influenza treatment zanamivir in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and all Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Zanamivir is the active ingredient in GSK's Relenza (zanamivir for inhalation), which was developed by GSK under license from Biota Holdings, Limited.

"GSK is doing everything we can to prepare for a global influenza pandemic, including expanding production of Relenza and developing a pandemic vaccine," said David Stout, President, Pharmaceutical Operations. "This agreement with Simcere is intended to expand available supplies of zanamivir in areas of the world that may be on the front line of a possible influenza pandemic."

Of the more than 240 cases reported in which humans have been infected with H5N1 influenza virus, also known as avian flu, more than half have occurred in Asia-Pacific nations or in the LDCs. Experts have expressed concern that H5N1 could mutate to become a strain that is more easily transmitted between humans, leading to a global pandemic.

GlaxoSmithKline has an active research and development program targeted at both seasonal and pandemic influenza, and has committed over $2 billion to expand capacity for manufacturing flu vaccine and Relenza.

Relenza is approved in many markets for the prophylaxis and treatment of Influenza A and B in children and adults.