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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that it would provide the prescription flu treatment Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) to jurisdictions with an elevated demand for the antiviral during the flu season.The move would make millions of treatment courses available.
Roche is the developer of Tamiflu. Several generics are also available for the drug.
The U.S. government stores the antiviral in its Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), containing antibiotics, life-support medications, airway maintenance supplies and other medical items.
HHS notes that jurisdictions will work with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) regional teams, who will evaluate requests for the antiviral.
The news comes as supplies of Tamiflu have dwindled. In addition, the U.S. has also encountered shortages of the AD…