LONDON (Thomson Financial) - GlaxoSmithKline Plc has welcomed a report in
the online version of Nature magazine which says it is "prudent" for pandemic
stockpiles of Roche Holdings AG's Tamiflu to be augmented by additional
antiviral drugs, including its zanamivir-based Relenza product.
In the Nature article, the authors highlight that the molecular basis for
Tamiflu resistance observed in H5N1 virus, known as the virus that could cause a
deadly influenza pandemic, is the same as in the seasonal influenza strains
A/H1N1.
Eddie Gray, president of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Europe, said:
"Antiviral medicines are a key component of any flu pandemic response plan and
the Nature article further highlights the important role of zanamivir in
preparing for a future pandemic."
ben.deighton@thomsonreuters.com
bsd/cmr
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