Oseltamivir has been widely used against avian flu H5N1 in South-Eastern Asia in 2005. In response to the epidemic, several governments, including those in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia, have been stockpiling oseltamivir in anticipation of a possible pandemic. Despite being significant, the amounts accrued were not sufficient to protect the entire population of these countries.
In late May 2005, the multinational pharmaceutical company Roche said that the demand exceeds productive capacity, and Roche plan to meet to try opening a new plant in United States during the second half of 2005.
In October 2005, the pharmaceutical india Cipla announced starting the manufacture of generic oseltamivir without a proper license from Roche. Many patent laws allow governments to the cancellation of restrictions in manufacturing during emergencies, although Roche has announced its intention to be the only manufacturer. Cipla argues that it can legally sell oseltamivir in India and 49 other developing countries, starting in January 2006. Also in October, Roche announced it was negotiating with four pharmaceutical license for Tamiflu, in this way to increase production.
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