Roche Pharmaceuticals

Roche Group is a research-focused healthcare company based in Switzerland. The U.S. prescription drug division of the Roche Group, Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc. is based in New Jersey.

Roche manufactures the influenza medication Tamiflu and on April 27, 2009, Roche's stock rose 3.8 percent during the early trading on the Zurich exchange. The rise in stocks was attributed to a demand for defenses against the potential pandemic of swine flu as the outbreak continues to spread.SindToday: Firm Sees Stock Rise on Back of Outbreak (April 27, 2009)

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication manufactured by Roche which has proven to treat and prevent seasonal flu. It is possible the prescription drug may also be used to treat avian-flu and swine flu.

• Experts believe Tamiflu may decrease the likelihood of developing a flu and/or might reduce the duration of the illness. According to Roche's website, "Tamiflu has been studied only in strains of the influenza virus that were circulating at the given time. The magnitude of effect of Tamiflu in treating and preventing novel strains of influenza cannot predicted. When used for treatment purposes, these drugs need to be administered within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms."Pandemic Toolkit: About Tamiflu

• On April 13, 2009, the first case of swine flu was identified in Mexico City, Mexico. On April 25, 2009, Mexican President Felipe Calderon declared a state of emergency in Mexico over the outbreak of swine flu, closing all Mexico City schools until further notice, as well as the majority of public and government activities.

As of April 27, 2009, at least 20 deaths in Mexico from the disease have been confirmed by Mexican Health Minister Jose Cordova. However, it is possible that up to 68 deaths in Mexico may have been caused by the virus. According to reports, approximately 1,000 people in the Mexico City area have shown symptoms of the disease caused by a variant of H1N1. The strain of swine flu spread to California and Texas, causing at least eight people to become ill.Bloomberg: Swine Flu Outbreak (April 27, 2009)

• Three countries, China, Thailand and the Philippines, banned the import of pork products or live swine from Mexico and the U.S. The demand for agricultural products, including grains and feedmeal, could also be affected by the fear of an epidemic.WSJ: European Stocks Fall On Fears Over Swine Flu (April 27, 2009)