Testing “Tamiflu” for Oseltamivir Content

Using colorimetric and chromatographic methods that they developed, researchers found all tested Tamiflu samples obtained through the Internet to contain an acceptable concentration of oseltamivir.

Counterfeit drugs (especially antimalarials) are a growing problem globally. Recently, U.S. Customs agents seized a product labeled as Tamiflu entering the country; it contained vitamin C and no oseltamivir.

Researchers at the CDC recently developed a colorimetric technique and a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method to measure the concentration of oseltamivir phosphate in pharmaceuticals. Following initial evaluation of the assays, the researchers applied them to alleged Tamiflu products obtained through the Internet, using the HPLC method to validate the colorimetric test. Their goal was to develop a simple, affordable assay that could be used to assess the authenticity of Tamiflu in resource-poor areas.

The researchers foun…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine