Side effects of Tamiflu： clues from an Asian single nucleotide polymorphism

Tamiflu （Oseltamivir phosphate） seems to be a double-edged sword to some in Asia. While it is counted on against influenza and a feared avian influenza pandemic 1], the drug is also associated with side effects, ranging from neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, to hyperthermia and skin problems. According to a document from US Food and Drug Administration in 2005 2], 1184 cases of side effects have been reported. Interestingly 69 out of the 75 pediatric cases were from Japan, including two teen suicides. The situation seemed to have made a gloomier turn recently. It was reported in February, 2007 that two Japanese teenagers jumped from apartment buildings after taking Tamiflu and died, bringing the total number of deaths after taking Tamiflu in Japan to 54 3,4]. Although no direct causal relationship had been es- tablished yet, the Japan Health Ministry warned doctors about giving the drug to teenagers. In comparison, relatively few cases of severe side effects were reported from America and European countries 5]. What is wrong with this picture？ It has concerned and bewildered many. The pages in this issue 6] offer one fascinating hypothesis that tries to explain the mystery using an integrated approach combining structural bioinformatic analysis and enzyme assays.

Side effects of Tamiflu: clues from an Asian single nucleotide polymorphism