As the threat of bird flu grows around the world, a leading institute affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences declared that it would produce Tamiflu, the only drug said to be effective against the virus. 

    "If the epidemic spreads, we will produce our own version of Tamiflu," Wu Jiarui, vice-president of the Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, said yesterday. 

    Swiss-based Roche Holding AG holds the sole patent for Tamiflu but under Chinese law, it could be sidestepped in case of a public health crisis. 

    Scientists agree it is easy to produce Tamiflu once the proper materials are available although the process is complicated. The institute has got the right materials, said Wu. 

    The primary goal is to try to produce a Chinese version of shikimic acid, the active ingredient in Tamiflu, which is derived from star anise a spice widely produced and used in China but Wu said the acid is also found in other plants used in traditional Chinese medicine herbs. 

    Meanwhile, Shanghai Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd (SPG) expects a "very positive response" from Roche on its application to produce Tamiflu, which it submitted last week. 

    Huang Yanzheng, vice-president of SPG and board chairman of Shanghai Roche a joint venture between Roche and SPG said it would take about six months for SPG to mass-produce Tamiflu once Roche gives the go-ahead.