June 21, 2007

Roche's Japanese partner to probe bird flu medicine Tamiflu on possible human behavioural risks

Swiss drug giant Roche has announced its Japanese partner would conduct new research on Tamiflu after reports of young people in Japan are executing "erratic behaviour" after taking the medicine.

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., which imports Tamiflu, said it would conduct new tests along with Roche after being presented with the findings of Japan's health ministry.

Tamiflu has been stockpiled in Japan in the event of a bird flu pandemic and is also prescribed for the common flu.

Japanese authorities say more than 100 people, mostly young children and teenagers, behaved abnormally after taking Tamiflu. Eight already died by jumping off buildings, running into traffic or other violent actions.

Research in Japan-- the largest importer of Tamiflu--and the United States on the drug has found no evidence linking the drug and unusual behaviour.

However, Japan has asked doctors earlier this year not to give Tamiflu to young people as a precaution.

Chugai said the research, which will involve human volunteers, should be completed before the next flu season in Japan.

The company also said it has also asked some 120,000 medical institutions that received Tamiflu from the government to immediately report any adverse reaction to the drug.

Roche has earlier contradicted the dangerous side-effects of its drug.

Japan imports about 60 percent of the world's supply of Tamiflu, in part as a reserve in the event of a major avian influenza outbreak.