GSK seeks government nod to introduce H1N1 drug in India

Global pharmaceutical major GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is seeking a nod from the government to market its patented drug for treating the contagious H1N1 virus, popularly known as swine flu. The patented drug – Relenza – is already registered with the Indian authorities and will not require clearance from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the company stated.

Presently, the retail sale of the swine flu drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is not permitted in India. The drug can be sold through government hospitals as the treatment and diagnosis of the flu has been carried out by the government itself.

Meanwhile, GSK is undecided whether to sell the drug through government hospitals or to opt for the retail route.

GSK presently does not manufacture the drug in India but the company is supplying the drug to many countries across the globe and is also in the process of increasing its manufacturing capacity for the drug.

Despite the swine flu toll touching 90, Indian health authorities have not yet placed any orders with domestic manufacturers – Serum Institute, Panacea Biotec and Bharat Biotec – which are developing the vaccine. (Cadila Pharma is also developing a vaccine in collaboration with US company Novavax).