Abu Dhabi-based drug manufacturer Neopharma today said it has received clearance from the UAE Ministry of Health for the production of an antiviral medication Oseltamivir BR Flu.
The approval comes at a time when the entire region is stepping up efforts to tackle the swine flu pandemic, and it is being considered as a potential choice to prevent and treat the disease.
Neopharma, Vice-Chairman, Abdulla Humaid Al Mazroei and Managing Director and CEO, Dr BR Shetty thanked the Health Ministry on behalf of the Board of Directors of the company.
"As a leading manufacturer of life-saving drugs, we believe it is our responsibility to play a vital role in helping the community at this critical juncture. We are confident the approval for Oseltamivir will significantly facilitate medical professionals and the wider community to effectively combat the lethal H1N1 virus in the region," Dr Shetty said.
Neopharma's Oseltamivir BR Flu is the outcome of a joint venture with leading pharmaceuticals major Hetero Drugs Ltd, and is the first in a series of major life-saving drugs which the company plans to produce over the next few years.
Currently, Neopharma has independent production blocks for the manufacture of general and betalactam products. The company's plant in Abu Dhabi is designed for the large-scale production of tablets, capsules and liquid orals.
