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Japanese researchers produce Tamiflu via chemical synthesis+
[February 24, 2006]

Japanese researchers produce Tamiflu via chemical synthesis+


(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)TOKYO, Feb. 25_(Kyodo) _ A Japanese research team has developed a method to make Tamiflu, an antiviral drug that is considered the best defense against bird flu, from a chemical compound without using a botanical ingredient used by the Swiss manufacturer F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., the researchers said Saturday.



Tamiflu, generically known as oseltamivir phosphate, is currently made from shikimic acid, which is found in star anise, a fruit often used as a spice in Chinese cuisine.

The team, led by University of Tokyo Professor Masakatsu Shibasaki, worked out a method to produce the drug without using shikimic acid.


Since botanical ingredients can be affected by climate conditions, using chemicals could help stabilize the Tamiflu supply. Japan and many other countries are trying to stockpile the drug amid fears of a pandemic sparked by bird flu.

The team used the chemical -- 1,4-cyclohexadiene -- to produce the drug via the so-called asymmetrical catalysis, according to the researchers. The university has applied for a patent on the method.

"We would like to hold talks with Roche and hope to jointly conduct research for commercialization," Shibasaki said.

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