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www.fdanews.com/articles/82361-ministry-permits-generic-cos-to-make-bird-flu-drug

MINISTRY PERMITS GENERIC COS TO MAKE BIRD FLU DRUG

November 11, 2005

The Industry Ministry has given a green signal for allowing domestic pharmaceutical companies to manufacture generic versions of Tamiflu (oseltamivir), considered the most effective drug to treat avian influenza, commonly called bird flu. Clearing the air surrounding the patents for the drug filed by Swiss drug major Roche and the innovator company, Gilead Sciences, the Ministry has said that under the present policy a compulsory license is not necessary, as a product patent has not yet been granted for the molecule.

Hindu Business Line (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/11/11/stories/2005111102140200.htm)