On Oct. 27, 1999, Hoffmann-La Roche and Gilead Sciences announced that Roche’s TAMIFLU™ (oseltamivir phosphate) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of influenza A&B, which includes all common strains of influenza. TAMIFLU, the first neuraminidase inhibitor in pill form, was available nationwide in time for the arrival of the new year’s flu season. 

TAMIFLU is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in adults who have been symptomatic for no more than two days. The recommended oral dose of TAMIFLU is 75 mg twice daily for five days.