http://www.roche.com/investors/ir_update/inv-update-2009-10-15.ht...

http://www.roche.com/investors/ir_update/inv-update-2009-10-15.htm

Global sales of the antiinfluenza medicine Tamiflu (oseltamivir) totalled 2.0 billion Swiss francs in the first nine months, an increase of 362%, or 1,576 million francs, over the same period last year. This exceptional growth was driven by substantially increased demand in the second and third quarters from governments and in the retail pharmacy sector during the current pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus (‘swine flu’) outbreak. Sales for pandemic stockpiling amounted to 1,380 million francs in the first nine months. Sales of Tamiflu in the third quarter totalled 994 million francs, compared with 101 million francs in the third quarter of 2008. Based on current estimates, Roche expects full-year sales of Tamiflu of around 2.7 billion francs in 2009 and about 700 million francs in 2010. This is, however, difficult to predict and will depend on levels of infection due to the pandemic A (H1N1) virus and seasonal influenza strains in the coming northern hemisphere winter, as well as government orders in the fourth quarter. Roche is working with the World Health Organization and governments worldwide to support pandemic preparedness and supply Tamiflu to patients in need.


Link posted by CPG at SS:

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9BBBPQ80.htm
Quote: Tamiflu sales increased more than eight-fold to 994 million francs, and full-year sales are expected to reach 2.7 billion francs, Roche said. End of Quote

Roche has conclusively proved there is an unprecedented demand for antivirals. Despites all the problems facing Tamiflu, Roche had achieved their 400 million doses p.a. production capacity last month to cash in on the boom.

In contrast, let me quote your genius CEO:
http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20090819/pdf/31k5bbwq12lcqt.pdf

"Analysts who've closely studied GSK's Relenza expansion plans are forecasting our royalties to be in the range of $80 million and $130 million in FY2010. These forecasts assume GSK's capacity can be built as planned and that declared government orders actually become sales. They also assume GSK can get regulatory approval for the Relenza Rotahaler.

Why is your favourite CEO talking down the prospect of Relenza sales to justify GSK's pathetic response to the swine flu? Is it not the CEO job to demand GSK fulfil their contractual obligations to BTA shareholders to manufacture and market Relenza with their best endeavours?
Yes, all BTA shareholders have benefitted from the rising share price BUT the share price would have performed much better if we have a competent CEO instead of an idiot who talked down the market.


Very soon all the gimps posting here for Peter Cook will be praising the record Relenza sales without any consideration how far in front Tamiflu has progress leaving Relenza far behind.