GSK grants license for manufacture of Zanamivir

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has granted its first sub-license to manufacture and supply zanamivir, the active ingredient in the anti-viral influenza treatment Relenza, developed by GSK under licence from Australian firm Biota.

The sub-license is to Simcere Pharmaceutical Group of China, and permits the manufacture and supply of zanamivir in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and other developing countries.

Biota ceo Peter Cook said: 'When GSK requested Biota's approval for this agreement with Simcere, it was readily given in recognition of the critical public health need. We hope to see GSK further increase supply to ensure that the world is able to gain better access to zanamivir, one of the world's only two effective antiviral drugs in the event of an avian flu pandemic.'

GSK's competitor, Roche, has already put in place a number of arrangements with developing countries for the manufacture and use of the rival anti-influenza drug Tamiflu.

Biota will be entitled to receive royalties on sales by Simcere, under the sub-license.

'GSK is doing everything we can to prepare for a global influenza pandemic, including expanding production of Relenza and developing a pandemic vaccine,' said David Stout, president of pharmaceutical operations at GSK.

Of the more than 240 cases reported in which humans have been infected with H5N1 influenza virus, also known as avian flu, more than half have occurred in Asia-Pacific nations or developing countries. Experts have expressed concern that H5N1 could mutate to become a strain that is more easily transmitted between humans, leading to a global pandemic.

Relenza is approved in many markets for the prophylaxis and treatment of Influenza A and B in children and adults.