Japanese researchers produce Tamiflu via chemical synthesis
February 25, 2006A Japanese research team has developed a method to make Tamiflu, an antiviral drug that is considered the best defense against bird flu, from a chemical compound without using a botanical ingredient used by the Swiss manufacturer F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., the researchers said Saturday. Tamiflu, generically known as oseltamivir phosphate, is currently made from shikimic acid, which is found in star anise, a fruit often used as a spice in Chinese cuisine.