ROCHE SAYS NO REASON FOR BREACH OF TAMIFLU PATENT IN TAIWAN

Roche Holding AG said it is optimistic about meeting its contractual obligations and being able to supply Taiwan with all the Tamiflu it requires. A breach of the compulsory license agreement, as had been announced by Taiwanese officials earlier today, is therefore not necessary, a spokesman for the company said. Other Asian countries also interested in Tamiflu production -- such as Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia -- where Roche partner Gilead Sciences Inc has not requested patent protection, are free to go ahead with production of the drug, deemed as first-line treatment in the event of a bird-flu pandemic.

Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2005/11/28/afx2354885.html)