January 9, 2006

Anise fruit possibly Vietnam's key to Tamiflu production

Scientists in Vietnam's Chemistry Institute plan to make oseltamivir, the main material for the production of anti-bird flu medicine Tamiflu, from star anise in the next five or six months, according to local media reports on Jan 9.

The scientists have discovered a process of extracting shikimic acid from anise fruit. This acid is a material necessary to synthesise oseltamivir. Six grams of the fruit can make one Tamiflu capsule.

The biggest anise-growing area in Vietnam is in the northern province of Lang Son, with over 8,000 hectares of star anise. The area produces 5,000-6,000 tonnes of dried fruit annually.

In November last year, the health ministry said that it had signed a deal with Roche, Swiss producer of Tamiflu, which agreed to supply Vietnam with necessary materials and techniques to manufacture Tamiflu in the country.

The firm also agreed to supply Vietnam with 25 million Tamiflu capsules in the event of a bird flu pandemic.