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{\pard\sa900\fs50\f0\i Media Release\par}
{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 29 January 2004 \line \line {\b Roche's 
oral flu drug Tamiflu could be effective in treating avian influenza} \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Roche 
confirms today that Tamiflu (oseltamivir) could be effective in treating the recent outbreak of the 
avian influenza in the Far East. Tamiflu was tested in a pre-clinical setting against a wide range of 
influenza virus strains. Despite the lack of clinical data, the findings provide reassurance that Tamiflu 
can be expected to be active against any influenza virus neuraminidase enzyme subtype, including the 
H5N1 strain. This strain is associated with the recent outbreak of avian influenza in Asia. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 The 
WHO in its interim recommendations for the protection of persons in contact with animals potentially 
infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, advises that \u8216?oseltamivir be readily available 
for the treatment of suspected H5N1 respiratory infections in cullers and farm workers involved in the 
mass culling\u8217?*. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 \u8220?Roche is committed to making Tamiflu available 
to fight this latest avian influenza outbreak. Based on the current WHO approach we have adequate supplies 
and we continue to work closely with the authorities and our affiliates worldwide in order to monitor 
the development and act accordingly\u8221? says William M. Burns, Head of Roche Pharmaceuticals Division. 
\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About avian influenza} \line According 
to the WHO avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza 
virus. Fifteen subtypes of influenza virus are known to infect birds, thus providing an extensive reservoir 
of influenza viruses potentially circulating in bird populations. To date, all outbreaks of the highly 
pathogenic form have been caused by influenza A viruses of subtypes H5 and H7.\line \line {\b About 
Tamiflu} \line Tamiflu, co-developed with Gilead Sciences is a systemic drug for all common 
strains of influenza (types A and B). The medication targets one of two major surface structures on 
the influenza virus, the neuraminidase protein. The neuraminidase protein is virtually the same in all 
common strains of influenza. If neuraminidase is inhibited, the virus is not able to infect new cells. 
\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Treatment studies in adults show that Tamiflu provides a 
significant reduction in the severity of symptoms over and above symptom relievers alone, allowing people 
to feel better faster and to return to their normal lives more quickly. In children Tamiflu, taken orally 
as a convenient sirup also reduced severity of symptoms and reduced the occurrence of otitis media, 
a secondary infection often seen with influence disease. Tamiflu has been shown to be effective in a 
variety of settings for the prevention of influenza, providing immediate protection during an influenza 
outbreak.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Tamiflu is approved for the treatment of influenza 
in over 50 countries world-wide including Australia, Canada, EU, Japan, Switzerland, United States, 
as well as many countries in the Far East and Latin America. More than 10 million patients have been 
treated with Tamiflu since launch. It is also approved in many countries for the prevention of influenza 
in adolescents and adults and for the treatment of influenza in children aged 1 year and above.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 The 
influenza virus responsible for the outbreak in Hong Kong in1997 was also an \u8216?H5N1\u8217? strain and Tamiflu 
demonstrated activity in an animal model at concentrations equivalent to those of the 75 mg twice daily 
dose approved for treating influenza in humans. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About 
Roche} \line Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world\u8217?s leading 
innovation-driven healthcare groups. Its core businesses are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche 
is number one in the global diagnostics market and is the leading supplier of pharmaceuticals for cancer 
and a leader in virology and transplantation. As a supplier of products and services for the prevention, 
diagnosis and treatment of disease, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people\u8217?s 
health and quality of life. Roche employs roughly 65,000 people in 150 countries. The Group has alliances 
and research and development agreements with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests 
in Genentech and Chugai. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About Gilead } \line Gilead 
Sciences, Inc., headquartered in Foster City, CA, USA, is an independent biopharmaceutical company that 
seeks to provide accelerated solutions for patients and the people who care for them. Gilead discovers, 
develops, manufactures and commercialises proprietary therapeutics for challenging infectious diseases 
(viral, fungal and bacterial infections) and cancer. Gilead maintains research, development or manufacturing 
facilities in Foster City, CA; Boulder, CO; San Dimas, CA; Cambridge, UK; and Dublin, Ireland and sales 
and marketing organizations in United States, Europe and Australia. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 All 
trademarks used or mentioned in this release are legally protected.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b Further 
information} :\par}{\pard\f0\li440\ri0\sl360\fs22 - www.health-kiosk.ch (http://www.who.int)\par}{\pard\f0\li440\ri0\sl360\fs22 - www.who.int (http://www.who.int)\par}{\pard\f0\li440\ri0\sl360\fs22 - www.cdc.gov (http://www.cdc.gov)\par}\line {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b References} :\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 * 
WHO interim recommendations for the protection of persons involved in the mass slaughter of animals 
potentially infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. (WHO Regional Office for the Western 
Pacific, Manila, January 2004)\par}
{\pard \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 {\b F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd}\line 4070 Basel\line Switzerland \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Corporate Communications\line Roche Group Media Relations \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Tel. +41 61 688 88 88\line Fax +41 61 688 27 75\line www.roche.com \par}
}