The Roche Group’s Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics Divisions both achieved above-market 
growth in the first half of 2008. Group sales for the period totalled 22 billion Swiss 
francs, up 4% in local currencies (-4% in Swiss francs; 13% in US dollars) . Excluding 
Tamiflu pandemic sales to governments and corporations, total revenues rose 10% (1% in 
Swiss francs; 18% in US dollars)1. The rise in the Swiss franc against most currencies 
resulted in Swiss franc growth being 8 percentage points lower than growth in local 
currencies.

Excluding pandemic Tamiflu, the Pharmaceuticals Division’s  sales grew 9% (1% in Swiss 
francs; 18% in US dollars) to 17.2 billion Swiss francs, more than twice as fast as the 
global market. Total divisional sales rose 3% (-6% in Swiss francs; 10% in US dollars). 
Sales growth was fuelled primarily by continued strong demand for key medicines in the 
division’s oncology, metabolism/bone, inflammation, transplantation and virology 
portfolios. Oncology sales increased significantly again, advancing 15%, led by Avastin, 
MabThera/Rituxan, Herceptin, Tarceva and Xeloda. 

The Diagnostics Division’s sales reached 4.7 billion Swiss francs, advancing 11% (4% in 
Swiss francs; 22% in US dollars). Immunochemistry and DNA sequencing products remained 
major growth drivers for the division. In the five months from the date of the Ventana 
acquisition in February to 30 June,  the new Tissue Diagnostics business recorded sales 
of 164 million Swiss francs.

Cash generation remains strong
Operating profit before exceptional items increased 2% for the Group, to 7.0 billion 
Swiss francs. The corresponding margin declined 0.8 percentage points to 32.0%. With 
operating free cash flow at 4.8 billion Swiss francs, cash generation by the Group’s 
underlying business remains strong.
The Pharmaceuticals Division posted an operating profit of 6.6 billion Swiss francs 
before exceptional items. The corresponding margin rose 1.9 percentage points for the 
period to 38.2%, despite sharply lower Tamiflu pandemic sales and significantly 
increased R&D expenditure.
In the Diagnostics Division operating profit declined 37% to 581 million Swiss francs, 
and the operating margin fell 8.6 percentage points to 12.2%. The margin decrease 
reflects significant investments associated with recent acquisitions and strong 
competition in the US diabetes care market. 

Group’s financial condition remains strong
Net income from financial assets and foreign exchange management exceeded financing 
costs by 237 million Swiss francs. The Group’s effective tax rate for the period 
decreased 2.0 percentage points to 24.5%.
The Roche Group’s net income for the period was 5.7 billion Swiss francs, with net 
income as a percentage of sales increasing to 26.0%. The Group’s financial condition 
remains strong. The ratio of equity (including non-controlling interests) to total 
assets is now 70%, and 84% of total assets are financed long term.

Outlook – guidance confirmed
Roche reaffirms its targets for full-year 2008. Excluding Tamiflu pandemic sales to 
governments and corporations, Roche anticipates a high single-digit increase in Group 
sales, with above-market sales growth in both divisions. Despite considerably lower 
Tamiflu pandemic sales and significantly higher R&D spending, Roche is aiming for 2008 
Core EPS at constant exchange rates to remain at least in line with the record level 
achieved in 2007.

The Pharmaceuticals Division continued to perform strongly in the first half of 2008, 
with solid growth of the underlying business more than compensating for the expected 
sharp decline in pandemic sales of Tamiflu to governments and corporations. Divisional 
sales increased 3% in local currencies (-6% in Swiss francs; 10% in US dollars) to 17.3 
billion Swiss francs. Excluding pandemic sales of Tamiflu, pharmaceutical sales grew 9% 
in local currencies, or more than twice the global market growth rate, driven primarily 
by key products in the division’s oncology, metabolism/bone, inflammation, transplant 
and virology portfolios.

Excluding pandemic Tamiflu, the division recorded above-market growth in all key regions 
except Japan, with sales in North America advancing 10% in a virtually flat market, 8% 
in Western Europe (versus 6% market growth2), 14% in the CEMAI3 countries (versus 11%) 
and 15% in Latin America (versus 13%). Sales by Chugai in Japan were stable (versus 7% 
market growth), with the launches of Avastin, Tarceva and combined Pegasys–Copegus 
compensating for government-mandated price reductions that came into effect in April, 
increased pricing pressure and the return of a group of marketed products to Sanofi-
Aventis.

Despite the decline in pandemic Tamiflu sales and planned increases in expenditure to 
support the strong research and development pipeline, compared with the year-earlier 
period the division’s operating profit before exceptional items advanced 8% in local 
currencies (-1% in Swiss francs) to 6.6 billion Swiss francs, and the corresponding 
margin rose 1.9 percentage points to 38.2%.

Oncology – continued strong growth led by strategic products
Roche continued to strengthen its global leadership in oncology in the first half of 
2008. Sales of the division’s oncology portfolio advanced 15%, led by Avastin, 
MabThera/Rituxan, Herceptin, Tarceva and Xeloda — products that are helping to transform 
cancer treatment. At this year’s meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 
(ASCO 2008), Roche and Genentech presented important data from clinical trials with 
Avastin, Herceptin, Tarceva and the experimental breast cancer medicine pertuzumab.

MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab), the leading treatment for patients with non-Hodgkin’s 
lymphoma (NHL), posted solid double-digit growth in all regions, with particularly 
strong contributions from Europe/Rest of World (RoW)4 (21%) and growing uptake in Japan. 
Growth is being driven by increased prescriptions in the first-line indolent and 
aggressive NHL settings in Europe and emerging markets. MabThera/Rituxan is also 
benefiting from increasing use as maintenance therapy for relapsed follicular lymphoma 
in Europe and the United States. In January a major phase III trial in the first-line 
treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia showed that MabThera/Rituxan in combination 
with chemotherapy significantly increased progression-free survival (the time patients 
live without their cancer progressing). Roche will use these results to support a 
marketing application in the European Union planned for later this year.

Herceptin (trastuzumab), for HER2-positive breast cancer, continued to record double-
digit sales growth in the first half-year. The product’s already high market penetration 
in the adjuvant setting (after surgery) increased further in the United States and 
Europe/RoW. Strong growth in Japan (23%) was driven by the product’s approval in 
February for the treatment of early breast cancer, with strong double-digit sales 
increases also seen in the Asia-Pacific and CEMAI regions. The final analysis of data 
from a randomised phase III trial (GBG-26), presented at ASCO 2008, demonstrated again 
that Herceptin helps women with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer live longer 
without their cancer progressing. Moreover, the results showed that Herceptin continued 
to be effective in women who needed additional treatment after their cancer progressed 
during previous Herceptin treatment.

Global sales of Avastin (bevacizumab), for colorectal, breast, lung and kidney cancer, 
continued to show very strong growth in the first half of 2008. At 78%, growth in 
Europe/RoW continued to be particularly dynamic. Sales are being driven by a broader EU 
label in metastatic colorectal cancer and the product’s newer indications in metastatic 
breast, lung and kidney cancer. Avastin received two major approvals in the first half-
year: in January the EU authorities approved an extension of the product’s existing 
colorectal cancer indication, permitting the combination of Avastin with all standard 
chemotherapy regimens in first and later lines of treatment; in February the US Food and 
Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for Avastin, in combination with 
paclitaxel chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of patients with HER2-negative 
metastatic breast cancer. Final data from the phase III AVADO study presented at ASCO 
2008 confirmed the results of an earlier trial (E2100), showing that Avastin combined 
with taxane chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival in this 
setting. Roche plans to file the AVADO data with global regulatory authorities in the 
second half-year.

Tarceva (erlotinib), the only EGFR oral targeted agent with proven and significant 
survival and symptom benefit in a broad range of patients with advanced lung and 
pancreatic cancer, continues to deliver strong double-digit sales growth. Sales are 
being driven primarily by increasing use of the product in the second-line treatment of 
patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with particularly strong gains in 
Europe and Asia, and by strong uptake in Japan following its launch by Chugai at the end 
of 2007. New data presented at ASCO 2008 from the largest phase IV trial ever conducted 
in patients with NSCLC showed that a broad range of patients treated with Tarceva 
experience clinical benefits that include longer survival, better quality of life, and 
control of disease symptoms and cancer progression.

Xeloda (capecitabine), an oral medicine that greatly simplifies the treatment of 
colorectal, breast and stomach cancer, continued its double-digit sales growth globally 
and in key regions. Growth in Japan was particularly strong (62%), with double-digit 
gains also recorded in North America and Europe/RoW. Sales growth is being driven by new 
and expanded indications approved in 2007 and 2008, notably in stomach and colorectal 
cancer, and by greater uptake in the treatment of breast cancer. In February the EU 
authorities approved Xeloda for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in 
combination with any chemotherapy in all lines of treatment, with or without Avastin. 
Also in February, Chugai filed an application in Japan to expand the product’s approval 
to allow its combination with oxaliplatin, with or without Avastin, for the treatment of 
metastatic colorectal cancer.

Anemia – sales affected by pricing pressure 
In a highly competitive market, combined sales of the anemia medicines NeoRecormon and 
Epogin (epoetin beta), from Roche and Chugai respectively, declined further in the first 
half-year. In Europe/RoW erosion of NeoRecormon sales has been moderate (-10%) despite 
general downward pricing pressure on erythropoietin-stimulating agents following the 
entry of several new biosimilar versions of epoetin alfa since the last quarter of 2007. 
In Japan sales of Epogin declined by 23% due to competitive pressure and the latest 
government-mandated price cuts, which came into force in April.

Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta), the first continuous erythropoietin 
receptor activator for the treatment of symptomatic anemia associated with chronic 
kidney disease, has now been approved in 54 countries and is currently marketed in 23. 
Sales of Mircera are progressing slowly due to the challenging overall market 
environment but are increasing as Roche wins more contracts and launches the product in 
additional markets. In the patent dispute with Amgen, Roche has appealed against a court 
order that prevents the sale of Mircera in the United States. The appeal is currently 
pending before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, DC.

Transplantation – continued double-digit growth of CellCept
CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) is the world’s most widely used immunosuppressant 
medication and the cornerstone of treatment to prevent organ rejection in patients with 
solid organ transplants. In the first half of 2008, despite the loss of market 
exclusivity in certain countries, CellCept continued the trend of steadily growing 
overall sales seen in 2007. The main contributions to growth came from the United States 
(15%) and Europe/RoW (12%). Improved survival of transplant patients means that they are 
taking immunosuppressant therapy for longer, and this is reflected in a steady increase 
in prescriptions for CellCept.

Virology – latest Pegasys approval enables personalised hepatitis C therapy
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a), for the treatment of hepatitis B and C, maintained its 
clear leadership of the global pegylated interferon market and continued to gain market 
share worldwide. While the overall sales increase in the first half-year was modest, 
very strong growth in Japan and strong gains in the Asia and CEMAI regions helped offset 
continued market volume declines in the United States and Western Europe. In June the EU 
authorities approved a shortened course of treatment with Pegasys plus Copegus 
(ribavirin) for patients with genotype 2 or 3 hepatitis C virus infection who have low 
virus levels and show a rapid virological response. The approval personalises therapy 
for these patients, offering a chance for cure with only four months’ treatment. This 
new approach is made possible by Roche Diagnostics’ highly sensitive, real-time cobas 
PCR diagnostic tests.

As forecast, sales of the anti-influenza medicine Tamiflu (oseltamivir) declined 
substantially due to reduced pandemic stockpiling orders from governments and 
corporations. The sharp fall-off in pandemic sales, down 1.1 billion Swiss francs versus 
the first half of 2007, was only partly offset by a rise of 122 million Swiss francs in 
seasonal sales, driven by a severe influenza season in the US. Seasonal sales in Europe 
and Japan were low due to a mild influenza season.

Following last year’s recall of the HIV/AIDS medicine Viracept (nelfinavir) in all 
markets where Roche supplies the product, the EU authorities approved a change in the 
manufacturing process early this year. Roche started resupplying Viracept in some EU 
countries in the second quarter. Roche has conducted extensive research to better define 
the potential risk of exposure to the chemical impurity that led to the recall. The 
studies show that the levels of the impurity present in certain production batches of 
Viracept tablets between June and September 2007 were not harmful for patients.

Inflammation and autoimmune disorders– first worldwide approval for Actemra in Japan
MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab), the first and only selective B cell therapy for the 
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is now established as a proven choice for patients 
with inadequate response to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy. Market 
penetration continues to increase strongly, as more and more rheumatologists switch 
patients to MabThera/Rituxan following an inadequate response to their first TNF 
inhibitor. The use of MabThera/Rituxan in this setting is supported by a growing body of 
evidence, including new clinical trial data showing sustained or improved reduction of 
disease activity with repeated treatment courses and sustained inhibition of the 
progression of joint damage.

Actemra (tocilizumab), a first-in-class humanised monoclonal antibody designed to block 
the interleukin-6 receptor, represents a new approach to the treatment of rheumatoid 
arthritis (RA). Following approval in Japan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, 
the medicine’s first approval worldwide in this indication, Chugai commenced the market 
rollout in June. Marketing applications by Roche are currently being reviewed by the US, 
EU and other health authorities globally; the FDA action date is in September 2008. The 
results of two large clinical trials presented at a major medical conference in June 
show that Actemra is the first biologic medicine to demonstrate clinical superiority 
over the standard RA treatment methotrexate, and that it is effective in patients with 
an inadequate response to anti-TNF biologics.

Metabolic disorders – Bonviva/Boniva shows robust sales growth
Bonviva/Boniva (ibandronic acid) is a highly effective and well tolerated medicine for 
women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is available as a once-monthly tablet and a 
three-monthly injection. Bonviva/Boniva continued to record robust sales growth in the 
first half of 2008, advancing 68% in Europe/RoW and 43% in the United States, where 
Boniva continues to gain market share despite recent launches of generic versions of 
another bisphosphonate.

Research and development – all major projects on track
In the first six months of 2008 the Pharmaceuticals Division gained eight major 
regulatory approvals and filed three major marketing applications. At the end of June 
the division’s R&D pipeline included 65 new molecular entities (NMEs) and 54 additional 
indications. Forty-one NMEs are currently in phase I, 18 in phase II and four in phase 
III development; two have been filed for regulatory review. In the first half-year 
eight  projects entered phase I, two entered phase II and four entered phase III; one 
phase II project and three additional-indication projects in phase III were discontinued.

Encouraging data from a phase II trial investigating Avastin in the treatment of 
glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer, were presented at ASCO 
2008. The results show that Avastin, given alone or in combination with chemotherapy, 
was able to slow progression of the cancer. Because of the high medical need and lack of 
approved treatments, Roche and Genentech plan to use these data as the basis for EU and 
US marketing applications in the second half of 2008. Roche is also preparing to start 
phase III testing of Avastin in the first-line treatment of the disease. A global phase 
III study investigating Avastin in combination with Herceptin in early HER2-positive 
breast cancer commenced recruitment in May.

Pertuzumab is the first in a new class of targeted antibodies known as HER dimerisation 
inhibitors. Pertuzumab inhibits the pairing of HER2 with other HER receptors, a key 
mechanism of tumour growth. Final results from a phase II trial in women with pretreated 
HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer were presented at ASCO 2008. The data showed high 
response and very good clinical benefit rates for patients who received pertuzumab plus 
Herceptin. A phase III study evaluating combined Herceptin and pertuzumab plus 
chemotherapy in first-line metastatic breast cancer began recruiting patients in January.

MabThera/Rituxan is currently in phase III development for use in rheumatoid arthritis 
patients who have not responded sufficiently to treatment with disease-modifying 
antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or who have not previously received treatment with 
methotrexate (MTX). A major trial in this programme met its primary endpoint in January, 
with significantly more patients treated with MabThera/Rituxan plus MTX achieving an 
improvement in disease signs and symptoms than those who received MTX alone. A phase III 
radiographic study assessing the ability of MabThera/Rituxan to inhibit structural joint 
damage in patients not previously treated with MTX is progressing as planned. Roche 
plans to use the signs and symptoms data in conjunction with the radiographic data to 
support marketing applications for these indications in 2009.

Ocrelizumab is a humanised anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody being developed by Roche, 
Genentech and Chugai for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Phase III development of 
the medicine in rheumatoid arthritis is progressing according to plan. As already 
announced, in May a phase III trial of ocrelizumab in systemic lupus erythematosus was 
stopped due to the negative results of a trial with MabThera/Rituxan in a similar 
patient population. A phase III trial of ocrelizumab in patients with lupus nephritis is 
continuing as planned. A phase IIb trial in multiple sclerosis started in mid-July.

A major phase III trial with R1658 (dalcetrapib, JTT-705), a cholesteryl ester transfer 
protein (CETP) inhibitor licensed from Japan Tobacco, started in April. Dalcetrapib 
increases levels of HDL-C, or ‘good’ cholesterol, which is thought to have protective 
effects on the heart. It is hoped that the drug can help reduce the risk of 
cardiovascular disease and death in high-risk patients. Data presented at the American 
Congress of Cardiology in February show that dalcetrapib, which has a unique chemical 
structure different to that of other CETP inhibitors in clinical development, is well 
tolerated and has a good safety profile when given alone or in combination with statins.

R1583 (taspoglutide, BM 51077, licensed from Ipsen), the first once-weekly human 
glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, is being developed by Roche for type 2 
diabetes. Based on promising phase II results presented at the annual meeting of the 
American Diabetes Association in June, Roche has decided to move taspoglutide into phase 
III clinical trials. The programme is expected to start in the second half of 2008. In 
clinical trials to date, taspoglutide was generally well tolerated and significantly 
improved glucose control and weight loss after only eight weeks of treatment.

Acquisitions and partnering agreements – enabling access to new technologies
The acquisition of Piramed, a privately owned UK company focusing on therapeutics 
targeting PI3-kinase (PI3-K), was announced in April and completed in May. This adds 
promising compounds to the division’s R&D pipeline in the areas of oncology and 
inflammatory disorders. In June Roche signed a licensing agreement with ThromboGenics 
and BioInvent for their anti-cancer agent TB-403, a novel monoclonal antibody which 
blocks placental growth factor (PlGF), one of the growth factors responsible for the 
development of new blood vessels.

In the first half of 2008 the Diagnostics Division extended its global market leadership 
with sales of 4.7 billion Swiss francs, an increase of 11% in local currencies (4% in 
Swiss francs; 22% in US dollars). Sales again grew ahead of or in line with the market 
in all regions, with strong performances particularly in Japan and the emerging markets 
in Europe and Asia–Pacific. All business areas contributed to growth. Immunochemistry 
and DNA sequencing products delivered very robust growth, contributing to further above-
market sales increases in the Professional Diagnostics and Applied Science units. 
Diabetes Care’s sales accelerated to a 7% increase in the second quarter and were up 2% 
for the half-year. Molecular Diagnostics posted a 4% sales increase overall, with 
continued growth in virology automation. The acquisition of Ventana Medical Systems, 
Inc., was completed in early February. In the five months to 30 June the new business 
area’s sales totalled 164 million Swiss francs, or 3% of divisional sales; this was an 
even stronger performance than expected.

Operating profit in the Diagnostics Division decreased 37% in local currencies to 581 
million Swiss francs for the first half of 2008, and the operating margin was down 8.6 
percentage points to 12.2%. Roughly half of the margin decrease resulted from the impact 
of recent acquisitions, including amortisation of acquired intangible assets and 
investments to develop the acquired businesses. The rest was mainly due to strong 
competition in the US diabetes care market and portfolio mix effects.

Professional Diagnostics – 30 quarters of double-digit growth in immunochemistry
In the first half of 2008 Roche Professional Diagnostics’ sales rose 9% to 2,183 million 
Swiss francs. At 10%, sales of serum work area (clinical chemistry and immunochemistry) 
systems grew significantly faster than the market. Immunochemistry sales, which have 
been growing by double digits for 30 consecutive quarters, were up 19%, with double-
digit increases in all regions. Clinical chemistry sales advanced 2%, slightly below the 
market average.

Six new Elecsys immunoassays were launched globally outside the US, including a fully 
automated assay for anti-TSH receptor antibodies (diagnosis of Grave’s disease) and an 
anti-CCP immunoassay (highly specific test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis). 
An anti-HCV assay for hepatitis C infection, launched in the first quarter for the 
Elecsys 2010 and cobas e 411 instruments, is now available for all Roche immunochemistry 
platforms.

Hematology sales were up strongly in all territories covered by Roche’s exclusive 
distribution agreement with Sysmex Corporation (Japan). Growth was driven mainly by the 
Sysmex XS 1000i, one of a new line of compact, fully automated analysers.

Point-of-care cardiac assays posted solid double-digit growth, fuelled by increased 
uptake of the Roche Cardiac proBNP assay (diagnosis and assessment of heart failure) and 
the recently launched cobas h 232 portable cardiac testing device. Coagulation 
monitoring continued its strong double-digit growth, driven mainly by the CoaguChek XS 
monitor for professional use and patient self-testing.

Diabetes Care – strong second-quarter rise in US sales
Roche Diabetes Care remained the global market leader, with interim sales up 2% to 1,482 
million Swiss francs. Second-quarter sales were up 7% overall from the year-earlier 
period, helped by substantial investments in new products. All regions contributed to 
interim sales growth except North America. Despite strong competition, however, sales 
also grew strongly in the US (9%) in the second quarter, following weak order volume in 
the first three months of this year.

The new Accu-Chek blood glucose monitoring systems fuelled accelerating revenue growth, 
with double-digit sales increases for these systems more than offsetting declining sales 
of older products. Accu-Chek Aviva and Accu-Chek Performa, both of which were launched 
in additional markets, were the main growth drivers. The new Accu-Chek Compact Plus ‘all-
in-one’ monitoring system was successfully launched in the US and Japan in April and 
June, respectively.

Insulin delivery systems faced strong competition in the first half-year, particularly 
in the US. The majority of Roche’s existing pump customers have already upgraded to the 
Accu-Chek Spirit, so the focus is now on acquiring new customers.

Molecular Diagnostics – growing the core business, preparing for new markets 
Roche Molecular Diagnostics’ sales advanced 4% to 551 million Swiss francs in the first 
six months of 2008. Fully automated tests for HIV and hepatitis B and hepatitis C (HBV, 
HCV) infection fuelled sales growth in virology. In blood screening, revenues declined 
as a result of mounting pressure on prices.

The cobas TaqScreen MPX Test, a multiplex blood screening assay for simultaneous 
detection of HIV-1 (groups M&O), HIV-2, HCV and HBV, is in the final stages of FDA 
review. The test will run in the US on the fully automated cobas s 201 system. In June 
the Japanese Red Cross began screening its blood supply with the MPX test on the fully 
integrated cobas s 401 system, under a five-year contract.

In Europe the cobas TaqMan CT Test v2.0 was launched for clinical use following CE mark 
certification in June. This new test offers improved detection of all known strains of 
Chlamydia trachomatis, the cause of the most commonly reported bacterial sexually 
transmitted disease in Europe.

Roche has initiated patient recruitment for a study to support a US filing of our HPV 
(human papillomavirus) detection and genotyping tests. 

In June Roche signed an exclusive distribution agreement with DxS Ltd. (UK) for its 
TheraScreen K-RAS Mutation Test and TheraScreen EGFR 29 Mutation Test. Used in 
conjunction with other clinically relevant information, these tests can aid doctors in 
determining patients’ suitability for specific cancer therapies.

Applied Science – leadership in advanced genomics strengthened
Roche Applied Science posted interim sales of 367 million Swiss francs. This was an 
increase of 21% for the period, or roughly three times the estimated market growth rate. 
The Genome Sequencer FLX system, the LightCycler 480 platform for real-time PCR-based 
DNA amplification and detection and microarrays were the main growth drivers. Sales of 
sequencing products more than doubled despite increased pressure from competitors. Major 
launches included an update of the ultra-fast Genome Sequencer FLX and the new 
LightCycler 480 II, both designed for an even wider range of research applications. Over 
40 NimbleGen HD2 microarrays, offering the highest resolution on the market, were 
launched worldwide for applications ranging from gene expression studies to DNA 
sequencing.

Tissue Diagnostics — integration on track, growth momentum maintained
In February Roche completed the acquisition of US-based Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a 
leader in tissue-based diagnostic testing. Integration of the company is proceeding as 
planned.

The Diagnostics Division’s revenues include Ventana sales of 164 million Swiss francs, 
for the period from early February to 30 June. These additional revenues represent 4 
percentage points of divisional sales growth. On a stand-alone basis, Ventana’s sales 
for the entire first half-year totalled 183 million US dollars, an increase of 27% in 
local currencies (34% in US dollars) from the first half of 2007. This was roughly twice 
the market growth rate and translated into further market share gains in North America 
and the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa).

Advanced staining (immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation) remained the biggest 
growth driver, delivering robust reagent sales and an even stronger than expected rise 
in instrument sales. Symphony staining system enhancements released in the US in July 
2008 are expected to accelerate penetration of the high-volume primary (hematoxylin & 
eosin) staining market. The Vantage workflow solution, launched in the US in May 2008, 
is the first complete workflow management system for the anatomical pathology laboratory.

Roche mit Hauptsitz in Basel, Schweiz, ist ein global führendes, 
forschungsorientiertes Healthcare-Unternehmen in den Bereichen Pharma und 
Diagnostika. Als weltweit grösstes Biotech-Unternehmen trägt Roche mit 
innovativen Produkten und Dienstleistungen, die der Früherkennung, Prävention, 
Diagnose und Behandlung von Krankheiten dienen, auf breiter Basis zur 
Verbesserung der Gesundheit und Lebensqualität von Menschen bei. 

Roche ist der weltweit bedeutendste Anbieter von In-vitro-Diagnostika sowie von 
Krebs- und Transplantationsmedikamenten, nimmt in der Virologie eine 
Spitzenposition ein und ist ferner auf weiteren wichtigen therapeutischen 
Gebieten aktiv, darunter Autoimmun-, Entzündungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten 
sowie Erkrankungen des Zentralnervensystems. 

2007 erzielte die Division Pharma einen Umsatz von 36,8 Milliarden Franken und 
die Division Diagnostics Verkäufe von 9,3 Milliarden Franken. Roche unterhält 
Forschungs- und Entwicklungskooperationen und strategische Allianzen mit 
zahlreichen Partnern – hierzu gehören auch Mehrheitsbeteiligungen an Genentech 
und Chugai – und hat 2007 über 8 Milliarden Franken in die Forschung und 
Entwicklung investiert. 

Roche beschäftigt rund 79'000 Mitarbeitende. 

Publisher:
swiss-press.com

Branche:
Medizin
Medizin
Kontakt:
Roche Diagnostics (Schweiz) AG / Medical.ch

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