Abu Dhabi firm to produce swine flu treatment

Neopharma, an Abu Dhabi-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer, has received clearance from the Ministry of Health for its antiviral medication Oseltamivir BR Flu. The drug has the potential to prevent and treat H1N1 flu in the region. Dr B.R. Shetty, the managing director and CEO of Neophama said: "We are confident the approval for Oseltamivir will significantly facilitate medical professionals and the wider community to effectively tackle the lethal H1N1 virus in the region." Oseltamivir has been produced through a joint venture with Hetero Drugs Ltd and is the first in a series of drugs the company plans to produce during the next few years in the region. Set up in October 2003, Neopharma manufactures a wide range of products including antibiotics, analgesics, respiratory medicines, antihistamines, as well as medications for cardiovascular conditions and diabetes.