The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Monday has reported Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding's new Tamiflu influenza treatment at two lower doses for children in a form with a longer shelf life of approximately five years.

Tamiflu(R) (oseltamivir phosphate) capsules that are available in 30 mg and 45 mg doses could be an advantage for use in stockpiling against a flu pandemic and can provide a convenient alternative for the treatment and prevention of influenza types A and B in patients one year and older.

The longer shelf-life-capsules will be available in pharmacies nationwide and for government stockpiling for the 2007-2008 flu season. The new capsules have shelf life much longer than the 24-month shelf life of the standard liquid suspension formulation.

Dominick Iacuzio, medical director at Roche said, "Roche continues to take steps to facilitate the use of antivirals in pandemic preparedness and response."

"These lower dose capsules not only provide governments with a new option for pandemic stockpiling, but also give prescribing physicians an alternative for patients who prefer a capsule formulation," he added.

Roche has reportedly completed orders from the U.S. government and states for 43.7 million Tamiflu treatment courses so far. Tamiflu, which is the only neuraminidase inhibitor approved for use in children one to five years of age, Tamiflu will continue to be available in a 75 mg capsule for adults as well as liquid suspension formulation for children.