In vitro pharmacological selectivity profile of oseltamivir prodrug (Tamiflu®) and active metabolite

Neuropsychiatric adverse events have been reported in influenza patients with and without exposure to oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), triggering speculation as to whether oseltamivir may be interacting with any human receptors and contributing to such neuropsychiatric events. In this study, the in vitro selectivity profile of oseltamivir prodrug and active metabolite was investigated. Both compounds lacked clinically relevant pharmacological activities on human, rodent and primate neuraminidases and on a panel of 155 other molecular targets, including those relevant for mood, cognition and behavior. Neuropsychiatric adverse events observed in influenza patients are likely a phenomenon caused by the infection rather than by oseltamivir.