Anti-swine flu drug `FLUVIR` now available in India

Mumbai, Sep (PTI) FLUVIR, the first anti-swine flu drug,
was Tuesday launched in the retail markets across the country.

An Indian drug manufacturer, Hetero Healthcare Limited,
announced the launch of 'FLUVIR', Oseltamivir drug similar to
Tamiflu in the retail market.

The launch of the drug came at a time when the deadly
virus has claimed 257 lives and affected 8,153 people in the
country.

Before the Government notification allowing retail sale
of anti-viral drug Oseltamivir, the Centre procured 19 million
FLUVIR capsules from Hetero to check the recent outbreak of
deadly H1N1 flu in India, Marketing Director, Hetero Srinivas
Reddy claimed.

FLUVIR, which was available only through government
hospitals, will now be available in around 480 designated
medical shops having Schedule X licence across the country, he
said.

Hetero is the only Indian pharma company to have the
licensing rights from Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd to manufacture and
supply Oseltamivir (generic name of anti H1N1flu drug) in
India as well as in other 100 underdeveloped and developing
countries. PTI