Martek Selected by Roche as a Production Partner for Key Ingredient for Tamiflu(R) Production
Martek Biosciences Corporation announced that it has been selected by Roche as a production partner for shikimic acid, the starting material used to produce Tamiflu(R). Working closely with Roche engineers in recent months, Martek has adapted existing fermentation and downstream processing equipment at a Martek production site to conform to Roche's fermentation requirements for the manufacturing of shikimic acid. As a result, Martek is capable of producing limited commercial quantities of shikimic acid, and it has received initial orders from Roche.
Increased demand for Tamiflu(R) has largely been the result of orders received by Roche from over 60 countries for stockpiling of supplies that may be needed in the event of an avian flu pandemic. Martek is one of several partners working with Roche to increase Roche's supply of fermentation-derived shikimic acid for the production of Tamiflu(R). Roche's only other source of shikimic acid is the naturally grown Chinese star anise fruit, the supply of which has become increasingly limited in recent months due to increased demand. Supplies of the Chinese star anise fruit are further subject to the limitations of its seasonal harvest periods. In addition, star anise trees require specific climactic conditions for growth and it can take as many as six years for a new tree to bear fruit. In contrast, fermentation-derived shikimic acid can be produced on a consistent basis.
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