Health
New source found for key Tamiflu ingredient
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 17, 2006
Scientists have found another source of shikimic acid, an important material for the production of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), taking the pressure off the Chinese star anise, from which most of the ingredient had been derived and which was fast disappearing in nature. The seeds of the sweet gum tree, which grows widely throughout the United States, also contains abundant amounts of shikimic acid, according to findings to be released April 9 at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting.
There is a skyrocketing demand for Tamiflu throughout the world as nations stockpile the antiviral drug to help treat people if a pandemic flu should occur.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/04/17/hlbf0417.htm.
