Indian Government is planning to lift the ban from the anti-flu drug, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) throughout the country. In this regard, many small and large drug manufactures are trying their level best, to get manufacturing license from the state governments, so that they can launch the cheap version of Oseltamivir into the market.

The drug is very much helpful for treating the fast spreading swine flu. Swine flu is the mix of three strains i. e. pig, bird and human. Presently, government is manufacturing
10 million doses of the drug but it plans to produce around 20 million doses in the coming weeks.

Domestic companies like Cipla, Ranbaxy and Hetero Drugs have already developed generics for the H1N1 virus but the drug can be sold only when retail sales opens up in the country.

Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Surinder Singh said, "Oseltamivir lacks patent protection in India and is included in the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which means state drug controllers can license it, as it is a known drug." However, sources say that Oseltamivir may be available in the market in the coming 15 days, but there must be some terms and conditions on the sale of the drug.

According to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, it is important to get clean chit from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to get a manufacturing license.

"We are ready to sell in the market and have a stock of 2.5 million capsules," said Amar Lulla, Cipla Joint Managing Director. Cipla's generic version of Tamiflu will be sold at Rs 1000 for 10 capsules called 'Antiflu'.