Swiss pharmaceuticals company Roche is increasing production of its anti-influenza drug Tamiflu and is donating thousands of doses to Turkey and Romania.
The news comes as governments, in short supply of drugs to combat avian influenza, stock up ahead of a possible epidemic after laboratory tests confirmed that the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus has been found in birds from Turkey and Romania.
A Roche spokesman said the company is donating 20,000 packs of Tamiflu to Turkey to protect workers who may come into contact with infected poultry, and has given 2,400 packs to Romania.
Tamiflu is the most effective anti-viral drug available for avian flu, and governments are rushing to build up stocks amid fears a virus that has claimed more than 60 lives in Asia since 2003 could mutate into a more deadly form for humans.
Roche said last week it would outsource some stages of production as it comes under pressure to boost supplies, but added it would not relinquish its patents.