GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) intends to offer Relenza, the antiviral...

GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) intends to offer Relenza, the antiviral drug which could help alleviate the symptoms of bird flu, as part of the UK governments stockpile to combat an expected pandemic. Bird flu arrived in the UK on Friday when a parrot in quarantine died from one form of the virus.

Last week, the British government announced a sleeping contract for 120m doses of vaccine to innoculate the population against the bug.

GSK believes the government may adopt a portfolio approach when building the stockpile, with a mix of contracts for vaccines offering specific immunity to bird flu, seasonal flu vaccines that could act as firewalls to the spread of a lethal virus, and antivirals to reduce symptoms once bird flu has struck. The government has expressed an interest in Relenza, The Business can reveal.

Flu vaccine sales are skyrocketing in response to the threat. GSK will update the market on its vaccines business when it reports third-quarter results on Thursday.

The pharmaceutical giant has already signalled its intention to step up Relenza production. It has also embarked on reformulating the drug, currently a powder that is inhaled, into more potent injectable or oral forms. The process may take a couple of years.

Source: Sunday Business; London (UK)