Washington, D.C.- The maker of the anti influenza drug Tamiflu have made an offer to many larger corporations in the United States.
Pay a set annual fee and reserve enough of the drug for your employees, in case a bird influenza epidemic should strike.
The maker of Tamiflu for two reasons is doing this; first because the sales of its product are slumping as the fears of bird flu recede somewhat.
Second, as a way to make sure that there are enough doses available for companies should the bird flu strike.
Stockpiling is an investment that could potentially pay off big for large businesses or corporations that cannot afford to lose time by having a majority of their employees sick.
It is also being lauded by the Government as a way to support public health, and make sure that people are protected in case of an epidemic.
The maker of Tamiflu, Roche Holding AG Company is making the offer both in its self-interest to support the supply of the drug, and also in the case for the public welfare.
The United States Government took the rare step of supporting the move by Roche publicly, saying how wise an investment such action by large corporations would be.