This year’s flu epidemic has hit hard, providing a shot in the arm for sales of Tamiflu, a prescription drug approved to alleviate influenza’s symptoms.
The antiviral medication is in high demand “due to an early and moderately severe flu season,” according to California-based Genentech Corp, a biotech business that’s part of the Roche Group. Right now there is a temporary shortage of the form of Tamiflu, as a liquid taken orally, typically used to treat children, as well as a shortage of several flu vaccines.
Nonetheless, Karen Andersen, a senior analyst with Morningstar in Chicago, is projecting Tamiflu sales this year will hit $750 million, more than twice its sales of $350 million during the 2011-12 flu season.
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