The elusive crystal structure of the neuraminidase inhibitor Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate): molecular details of action.

The first structure determination of a neuraminidase inhibitor, oseltamivir phosphate, the active component of the anti-influenza agent Tamiflu, was achieved by single crystal X-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation. The structure reproduces to a great extent the binding of the inhibitor in the neuraminidase active site and provides more accurate structural parameters as well as detailed insight into the binding preferences of the inhibitor.