Also known as: Roche
Roche is a Swiss multinational healthcare company operating globally across pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in Basel, it is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue. Its holding company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, including the ROG non-voting share class.
Ocular Therapeutix stock surged 30% in premarket trading as the company prepared to release topline Phase 3 data for AXPAXLI in wet AMD. The SOL-1 trial results will be presented at the Macula Society meeting later in February. The company plans to file for FDA approval using one-year data if results are favorable.
Switzerland will vote on June 14 on a proposal to cap its population at 10 million by 2050, which would restrict migration and potentially end EU free-movement agreements. Corporate leaders and business groups warn of severe labor shortages and economic damage. Polls show the vote is closely contested, with the population having grown rapidly in recent decades.
Teva Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi reported positive Phase 2b long-term extension results for duvakitug, a TL1A-targeting monoclonal antibody, showing durable efficacy over 44 weeks in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients. UC patients achieved up to 58% clinical remission and CD patients up to 55% endoscopic response at the higher dose.
Long-term data from ASCO 2026 shows the personalized cancer vaccine Intismeran Autogene, combined with Keytruda, reduces recurrence or death risk by 49% in high-risk melanoma patients. Developed by MSD and Moderna, the vaccine uses AI to select neoantigens from a patient's tumor and mRNA technology to create a personalized treatment. The results signal a major advance for a field that had struggled for decades, spurring similar development efforts by other companies.
Global drugmakers are expanding rare disease research investment in Brazil, attracted by new regulations, genetic diversity, and the public healthcare system's data capabilities. Major companies including AstraZeneca, Biogen, and Roche have committed significant clinical research budgets to the country. Despite this progress, advocates warn that a significant global funding gap persists, with 95% of rare diseases still lacking an FDA-approved treatment.
Trump secured agreements with 16 pharmaceutical companies tied to TrumpRx.gov, including most-favoured-nation pricing and direct-to-patient discounts. Several companies disclosed price cuts for obesity, diabetes, insulin and other medicines.
Guardant Health said its chief medical officer will resign effective May 8, while Delfi Diagnostics appointed Charles Newton to its board and Singular Genomics named John Stark CEO.
Recent biosimilar and biologic developments included Health Canada approval of denosumab biosimilars, FDA review actions, and new licensing and commercialisation agreements. Other updates covered court, trial and reimbursement agenda decisions.
Novartis received EU approval for Rhapsido (remibrutinib) as the first oral targeted treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria. Phase 3 data also showed significant efficacy in chronic inducible urticaria, with filings underway for additional indications.
NVIDIA and Eli Lilly announced a $1 billion AI co-innovation lab as AI drug discovery expands across research, trials and manufacturing. Companies including Recursion and Tempus are using large biological and clinical datasets to speed development and support precision medicine.
