First quarter with 2% growth in Swiss francs, 7%[1] at constant exchange rates

Basel, 22 April 2020Group sales increase 2% in Swiss francs and 7% at constant exchange rates, driven by new products, more than compensating for impact of competition from biosimilarsPharmaceuticals Division sales up 7%, led by Tecentriq, Hemlibra, Ocrevus and PerjetaDiagnostics Division sales grow 5%, with molecular testing as main contributorImportant approvals in the first quarter:in China: Tecentriq for first-line combination therapy of extensive-stage small cell lung cancerin the US: CINtec Plus Cytology test and cobas HPV test for use on cobas 6800/8800 Systems for cervical cancer screeningin the EU: Polivy in combination with bendamustine and MabThera/Rituxan, for the treatment of adult patients with a special form of B-cell lymphomain the EU: Venclexta/Venclyxto in combination with Gazyva/Gazyvaro for adults with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemiaBased on the current assessment of the COVID-19 impact the outlook for 2020 is confirmed
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemicVolatility in some markets has limited impact on business performance in the first quarterGlobal supply chain for medicines and tests remain intactFDA issued Emergency Use Authorization for the cobas SARS-CoV-2 test (coronavirus) for detection of infection with the virus; test also available in markets accepting the CE markProduction capacity for cobas SARS-CoV-2 test ramped up massivelyClinical phase III study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Actemra/RoActemra in severe COVID-19 pneumonia ongoing in several countries. Results are expected in early summer. Rapid increase of production capacity for Actemra/RoActemraAnti-SARS-CoV-2 serology test to detect antibodies in people exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in late stage development with availability aimed for early May. Monthly production is ramped up to high double-digit million tests by June with further scale up as fast as possible.Commenting on the Group’s performance in the first quarter, Roche CEO Severin Schwan said: “The global coronavirus pandemic outbreak during the first quarter poses an unprecedented challenge in particular for healthcare systems worldwide. Roche made important contributions to the fight against COVID-19. In close collaboration with authorities we were able to make our cobas SARS-CoV-2 test available and to initiate a global phase III study of Actemra/RoActemra in COVID-19 pneumonia in record time. With healthcare needs remaining high, Roche’s business has so far proved to be resilient in this difficult environment. The uptake of our recently introduced medicines continues to be strong. Based on our current assessment, we confirm the outlook for the full-year.”*Asia–Pacific, EEMEA (Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa), Latin America, Canada, othersOutlook confirmed for 2020
Based on the current assessment of the COVID-19 impact sales are expected to grow in the low- to mid-single digit range, at constant exchange rates. Core earnings per share are targeted to grow broadly in line with sales, at constant exchange rates. Roche expects to increase its dividend in Swiss francs further.Additional regulatory achievements in the first quarter of 2020:Diagnostics – key launches in the first quarter of 2020
The cobas SARS-CoV-2 test, for the detection of coronavirus, was developed in just six weeks and launched following Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, and is available in markets accepting the CE mark. The test is for use on Roche’s fully automated cobas 6800 and 8800 Systems, which are widely available around the world. Hospitals and laboratories can now run the test on these high-volume systems that deliver the fastest time-to-results, with the cobas 6800 and 8800 Systems providing 1,440 results and 4,128 results in 24 hours, respectively. This means that more tests can be completed faster, bringing certainty to patients, healthcare providers, and communities around the globe.Pharmaceuticals DivisionKey pharmaceutical products
Avastin (-13%). For advanced colorectal, breast, lung, kidney, cervical and ovarian cancer, and relapsed glioblastoma (a type of brain tumour). Sales were impacted by biosimilar competition in the US and Japan.Highlights for medicines launched since 2012
Ocrevus (first approved in 2017; CHF 1.1 billion, +38%). For the treatment of both the relapsing (RMS) and primary progressive (PPMS) forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). More than 150,000 people with MS have been treated with Ocrevus globally, in clinical-trial and real-world settings; data continue to show a consistent and favourable benefit-risk profile. The strong demand for this treatment in both indications has continued.Diagnostics DivisionIn the first quarter 2020, sales of individual business segments were volatile, partly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In general terms, emergency and COVID-19 testing strongly increased while routine testing decreased as a result of declining regular health checks. However, Roche’s broad, diversified test portfolio and its large number of instruments installed worldwide could balance out these effects.About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.Roche Group Media Relations
Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com
– Nicolas Dunant (Head)
– Patrick Barth
– Daniel Grotzky
– Karsten Kleine
– Nathalie Meetz
– Barbara von Schnurbein
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