LONDON, Oct 27 (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline Plc is offering free licences to partners able to manufacture its flu drug Relenza, one of two medicines recommended by health experts for use in the event of a bird flu pandemic. Chief Executive Jean-Pierre Garnier told reporters in a conference call on Thursday that Glaxo was seeking partners with the skills to make the inhaled drug, but he declined to say who they might be.
Europe's largest drug maker originally licensed the drug from Australia's Biota Holdings Ltd .
Garnier said he expected the move would mean Relenza could be supplied at a substantial price discount, although he did not give an estimated price.
Glaxo is also looking at alternative, and more convenient, delivery mechanisms for Relenza.
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