Roche’s latest financial report highlights its robust performance, driven by innovation in its pharmaceutical and diagnostics divisions, while navigating challenges like declining COVID-19-related sales and biosimilar competition. The Group's sales grew by 6% at constant exchange rates (CER) over the first nine months of 2024, with the pharmaceutical division seeing a notable 7% growth.

Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker: “Our strong growth momentum continued in the third quarter, reflecting the high demand for our innovative medicines and diagnostic solutions and their positive impact on patients’ lives around the world.

We made significant progress in our pharmaceuticals portfolio in the last quarter with five important regulatory approvals for our medicines, three positive phase III read-outs, and two acquisitions to strengthen our oncology and ophthalmology pipelines.

Itovebi (inavolisib) recently received US approval based on clinical data demonstrating a reduction of more than 50% in the risk of death or worsening disease for people suffering from a form of advanced, hard-to-treat breast cancer. In addition, we had positive phase III results for Gazyva/Gazyvaro in lupus nephritis, a potentially life-threatening kidney disease for which limited treatment options are available today.

We confirm our outlook for 2024.”

All figures shown in the table were restated to reflect the shift of the Foundation Medicine (FMI) business from the Pharmaceuticals Division to the Diagnostics Division.
*Asia-Pacific, CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Türkiye, Russia and Indian subcontinent), Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Canada, others

Pharmaceuticals Division

The pharmaceutical division’s success was fueled by new, high-demand therapies for severe diseases, particularly Vabysmo (eye diseases), Phesgo (breast cancer), and Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis), which emerged as major growth drivers. These therapies align with Roche’s strategic shift towards addressing unmet medical needs in critical disease areas. The division also saw continued sales momentum for Hemlibra (haemophilia) and Polivy (blood cancer), with these five therapies generating CHF 13.2 billion, a significant increase compared to 2023.

Regional performance varied, with the U.S. and Europe seeing stable growth of 7%. However, Japan experienced a sharp decline of 21%, attributed to reduced COVID-19-related sales and the expiration of patent protection on key drugs. In contrast, the international market, including regions like China and Latin America, saw impressive growth of 19%, driven by high demand for Roche's oncology portfolio and gene therapies like Elevydis.

Noteworthy regulatory approvals include the U.S. approval of Itovebi for advanced breast cancer, Ocrevus Zunovo (a new subcutaneous form of Ocrevus), and Tecentriq Hybreza (subcutaneous cancer immunotherapy), marking Roche’s increasing focus on more patient-friendly administration methods that enhance accessibility.

Diagnostics Division

The diagnostics division also posted strong results, growing by 5% overall, with its base business excluding COVID-19 growing at an 8% rate. Immunodiagnostic solutions, particularly in oncology and cardiac care, were the key growth drivers, contributing to a diverse portfolio. The acquisition of LumiraDx’s point-of-care technology highlights Roche's strategic effort to expand diagnostics in primary care settings and low-income countries, reinforcing its global market reach.

Strategic Acquisitions and Pipeline Developments

Roche’s aggressive push into oncology and ophthalmology continues through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of AntlerA Therapeutics and two CDK inhibitor drugs for breast cancer from Regor Pharmaceuticals. These acquisitions strengthen Roche's already dominant pipeline in cancer treatments, including positive Phase III data for Gazyva (lupus nephritis) and Xofluza (influenza).

The long-term outlook remains optimistic, with Roche projecting mid-single-digit growth in 2024 sales and a high-single-digit increase in core earnings. Roche’s ability to innovate, adapt to changing market demands, and leverage acquisitions positions it strongly within the highly competitive global healthcare landscape.

Global Perspective

Roche’s expansion into underserved markets through point-of-care technology and increased access to diagnostics solutions in lower-income countries signals its commitment to addressing global healthcare inequalities. As healthcare systems worldwide evolve, particularly in response to aging populations and rising demand for chronic disease management, Roche’s portfolio of life-saving medicines and diagnostic tools will likely play a pivotal role in shaping future healthcare delivery, both in developed and emerging markets.