F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, commonly known as Roche, is a Swiss multinational healthcare company that operates worldwide under two divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. Its

holding company A holding company is a company whose primary business is holding a controlling interest in the securities of other companies. A holding company usually does not produce goods or services itself. Its purpose is to own shares of other companies ...

, Roche Holding AG, has

shares In financial markets, a share is a unit of equity ownership in the capital stock of a corporation, and can refer to units of mutual funds, limited partnerships, and real estate investment trusts. Share capital refers to all of the shares of an ...

listed on the

SIX Swiss Exchange SIX Swiss Exchange (formerly SWX Swiss Exchange), based in Zurich, is Switzerland's principal stock exchange (the other being Berne eXchange). SIX Swiss Exchange also trades other security (finance), securities such as Swiss government bonds and d ...

. The company headquarters are located in

Basel , french: link=no, Bâlois(e), it, Basilese , neighboring_municipalities= Allschwil (BL), Hégenheim (FR-68), Binningen (BL), Birsfelden (BL), Bottmingen (BL), Huningue (FR-68), Münchenstein (BL), Muttenz (BL), Reinach (BL), Riehen (BS ...

. Roche is the fifth largest pharmaceutical company in the world by revenue, and the leading provider of

cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...

treatments globally. The company controls the American

biotechnology Biotechnology is the integration of natural sciences and engineering sciences in order to achieve the application of organisms, cells, parts thereof and molecular analogues for products and services. The term ''biotechnology'' was first used b ...

company

Genentech Genentech, Inc., is an American biotechnology corporation headquartered in South San Francisco, California. It became an independent subsidiary of Roche in 2009. Genentech Research and Early Development operates as an independent center within R ...

, which is a wholly owned affiliate, and the Japanese biotechnology company

Chugai Pharmaceuticals is a drug manufacturer operating in Japan. It is a subsidiary controlled by Hoffmann-La Roche, which owns 62% of the company as of 30 June 2014. The company is headquartered in Tokyo. Osamu Nagayama is the current representative director and ...

, as well as the United States-based companies Ventana and

Foundation Medicine Foundation Medicine, Inc. is an American company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which develops, manufactures, and sells genomic profiling assays based on next-generation sequencing technology for solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and ...

. Roche's revenues during fiscal year 2020 were 58.32 billion

Swiss franc The Swiss franc is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is also legal tender in the Italian exclave of Campione d'Italia which is surrounded by Swiss territory. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) issues banknotes and the f ...

s. Descendants of the founding Hoffmann and Oeri families own slightly over half of the bearer shares with voting rights (a pool of family shareholders 45%, and Maja Oeri a further 5% apart), with Swiss pharma firm

Novartis Novartis AG is a Swiss-American multinational pharmaceutical corporation based in Basel, Switzerland and Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (global research).name="novartis.com">https://www.novartis.com/research-development/research-loc ...

owning a further third of its shares until 2021. Roche is one of the few companies increasing their dividend every year, for 2020 as the 34th consecutive year. F. Hoffmann-La Roche is a full member of the

European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) is a Brussels-based trade association and lobbying organisation, founded in 1978 and representing the research-based pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Throug ...

(EFPIA).

History

Founded in 1896 by

Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche, later Fritz Hoffmann-von der Mühll (1868 1920), was a Swiss businessman who founded the pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-LaRoche & Co. Early life Hoffmann was born in Basel, Switzerland (french: link=no, Bâle) o ...

, the company was early on known for producing various vitamin preparations and derivatives. In 1934, it became the first company to mass-produce synthetic

vitamin C Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate) is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus and other fruits and vegetables, also sold as a dietary supplement and as a topical 'serum' ingredient to treat melasma (dark pigment spots) an ...

, under the brand name

Redoxon Redoxon was the brand name of the first artificially synthesized ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Redoxon was first marketed to the general public by Hoffman-La Roche in 1934, making it the first mass-manufactured synthetic vitamin in history. The bran ...

. During the Second World War Roche collaborated with the Nazi regime in Germany and used forced labour in its German and Polish based factories. In 1957, it introduced the class of

tranquilizer A tranquilizer is a drug that is designed for the treatment of anxiety, fear, tension, agitation, and disturbances of the mind, specifically to reduce states of anxiety and tension. Etymology Tranquilizer, as a term, was first used by F.F. Yonk ...

s known as

benzodiazepine Benzodiazepines (BZD, BDZ, BZs), sometimes called "benzos", are a class of depressant drugs whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. They are prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, ...

s (with

Valium Diazepam, first marketed as Valium, is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, a ...

and

Rohypnol Flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol among other names, is a benzodiazepine used to treat severe insomnia and assist with anesthesia. As with other hypnotics, flunitrazepam has been advised to be prescribed only for short-term use or by those ...

being the best known members). It manufactures and sells several cancer drugs and is a leader in this field. In 1956, the first antidepressant,

iproniazid Iproniazid (Marsilid, Rivivol, Euphozid, Iprazid, Ipronid, Ipronin) is a non-selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) of the hydrazine class. It is a xenobiotic that was originally designed to treat tuberculosis, but was lat ...

, was accidentally created during an experiment while synthesizing

isoniazid Isoniazid, also known as isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH), is an antibiotic used for the treatment of tuberculosis. For active tuberculosis it is often used together with rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and either streptomycin or ethambutol. For l ...

. Originally, it had been intended to create a more efficient drug at combatting

Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease usually caused by '' Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (MTB) bacteria. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Most infections show no symptoms, in ...

. Iproniazid, however, revealed to have its own benefits; some people felt it made them feel happier. It was withdrawn from the market in the early 1960s due to toxic side-effects. In 1976, an accident at a chemical factory in

Seveso Seveso (; lmo, label= Lombard, Séves ) is a town and ''comune'' in the Province of Monza and Brianza, in the Region of Lombardy. The economy of the town has traditionally been based on the furniture industry. Its name comes from the river of ...

, Italy, owned by a subsidiary of Roche, caused a large

dioxin Dioxin may refer to: * 1,2-Dioxin or 1,4-Dioxin, two unsaturated heterocyclic 6-membered rings where two carbon atoms have been replaced by oxygen atoms, giving the molecular formula C4H4O2 *Dibenzo-1,4-dioxin, the parent compound also known as ...

contamination. In 1982, the United States arm of the company acquired Biomedical Reference Laboratories for US$163.5 million. That company dated from the late 1960s, and was located in

Burlington, North Carolina Burlington is a city in Alamance County, North Carolina, Alamance and Guilford County, North Carolina, Guilford counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the principal city of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Are ...

. That year Hoffmann-La Roche then merged it with all of its laboratories, and incorporated the merged company as Roche Biomedical Laboratories, Inc. in Burlington. By the early 1990s, Roche Biomedical became one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the United States, with 20 major laboratories and US$600 million in sales. Roche has also produced various

HIV test HIV tests are used to detect the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in serum, saliva, or urine. Such tests may detect antibodies, antigens, or RNA. AIDS diagnos ...

s and

antiretroviral drug The management of HIV/AIDS normally includes the use of multiple antiretroviral drugs as a strategy to control HIV infection. There are several classes of antiretroviral agents that act on different stages of the HIV life-cycle. The use of multiple ...

s. It bought the patents for the

polymerase chain reaction The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method widely used to rapidly make millions to billions of copies (complete or partial) of a specific DNA sample, allowing scientists to take a very small sample of DNA and amplify it (or a part of it) t ...

(PCR) technique in 1992. In 1995 the era of

highly active anti-retroviral therapy The management of HIV/AIDS normally includes the use of multiple Antiviral drug, antiretroviral drugs as a strategy to control HIV/AIDS, HIV infection. There are several classes of antiretroviral agents that act on different stages of the HIV life- ...

(HAART) was initiated by the United States FDA's approval of Hoffman LaRoche's HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir. Within 2 years of its approval (and that of ritonavir 4 months later) annual deaths from AIDS in the United States fell from over 50,000 to approximately 18,000 On 28 April 1995 Hoffmann-La Roche sold Roche Biomedical Laboratories, Inc. to National Health Laboratories Holdings Inc. (which then changed its name to

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, more commonly known as Labcorp, is an American healthcare company headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina. It operates one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the world, with a United S ...

).Laboratory Corp of America Holdings · 10-Q · For 3/31/95
SECInfo.com, Filed On 5/15/95, SEC File 1-11353, Accession Number 920148-95-11 Roche acquired

Syntex Laboratorios Syntex SA (later Syntex Laboratories, Inc.) was a pharmaceutical company formed in Mexico City in January 1944 by Russell Marker, Emeric Somlo, and Federico Lehmann to manufacture therapeutic steroids from the Mexican yams called ''cabe ...

in 1994 and

in 2002.

Oseltamivir Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. Many medical organizations recommend it in people who have complications or are at hig ...

is a controversial antiviral drug used to combat avian influenza, commonly known as the

bird flu "Bird Flu" is an urumee melam-dance song by recording artist M.I.A. on her second studio album '' Kala'' (2007). It was released as a digital download in 2006 through XL Recordings under exclusive license to Interscope Records in the US. Cr ...

. Roche is the only drug company authorized to manufacture the drug, which was discovered by

Gilead Sciences Gilead Sciences, Inc. () is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, that focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, influenza, and CO ...

. Roche purchased the rights to the drug in 1996 and in 2005 settled a royalty dispute, agreeing to pay Gilead tiered royalties of 14–22% of annual net sales without adjusting the payments for manufacturing costs, as had been allowed in the original licensing agreement. On 20 October 2005 Hoffmann-La Roche decided to license other companies to manufacture

. Also in 2005 Roche acquired the Swiss company GlycArt Biotechnology in order to acquire technology to afucosylate antibodies; one of its products in development was

obinutuzumab Obinutuzumab, sold under the brand name Gazyva among others, is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, originated by GlycArt Biotechnology AG and developed by Roche as a cancer treatment. It can be used as a first-line treatment for chronic ly ...

, which gained FDA approval in November 2013 for the treatment of

chronic lymphocytic leukemia Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Early on, there are typically no symptoms. Later, non-painful lymph node swelling, feeling tired, fever, nigh ...

. On 22 January 2008 Roche acquired

Ventana Medical Systems Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. was a medical device company that develops, manufactures, and markets instrument reagent systems that automate tissue and slide staining in anatomic pathology laboratories. These products assist in the diagnosis and t ...

for $3.4 billion. On 2 January 2009, Roche acquired Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp. On 26 March 2009, Roche acquired

for $46.8 billion. On 12 March 2009 Roche agreed to fully acquire Genentech, in which it had held a majority stake since 1990, after eight months of negotiations. As a result of the Genentech acquisition, Roche moved its

Palo Alto Palo Alto (; Spanish for "tall stick") is a charter city in the northwestern corner of Santa Clara County, California, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area, named after a coastal redwood tree known as El Palo Alto. The city was estab ...

based research facilities to their campus that straddles the border between

Clifton, New Jersey Clifton is a city in Passaic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Criss-crossed by several major highways, the city is a regional commercial hub for North Jersey and is a bedroom suburb of New York City in the New York Metropolitan Area. As ...

and

Nutley, New Jersey Nutley is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 30,143. What is now Nutley was originally incorporated as Franklin Township by an act of the New Jersey Legisla ...

while Roche's United States headquarters, located on the New Jersey site since 1929, was moved to Genentech's facility in

South San Francisco South San Francisco is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States, located on the San Francisco Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is colloquially known as "South City". The population was 66,105 at the 2020 census. ...

. Genentech became a wholly owned

subsidiary A subsidiary, subsidiary company or daughter company is a company owned or controlled by another company, which is called the parent company or holding company. Two or more subsidiaries that either belong to the same parent company or having a s ...

group of Roche on 25 March 2009. Roche began vacating the NJ site in 2012, and sold it off in 2016. Roche acquired Medingo Ltd. in April 2010 for $160 million and BioImagene, Inc. in August for $100 million. In 2011, the company received the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering Facility of the Year Award for Process Innovation for Roche's "MyDose" Clinical Supply project. In March 2011, Roche acquired PVT Probenverteiltechnik GmbH for up to €85 million. In July 2010, Roche acquired mtm laboratories AG for up to 190 million EUR. On October, Roche acquired Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for $230 million. In December, Roche announced it would acquire Munich-based Verum Diagnostica GmbH, gaining entry to the fastest-growing field in the coagulation diagnostics market. On 26 June 2012, Roche announced the closure of the Nutley/Clifton campus, which was completed in 2013. The property is in the process of remediation. In July 2013, Roche Diagnostics acquired blood diagnostics company Constitution Medical Inc. for $220 million. Later, in September, Genentech announced it would acquire Arrayit Corporation. On 7 April 2014, Roche announced its intention to acquire IQuum for up to $450 million, as well as the rights to an experimental drug (ORY-1001) from Spanish company Oryzon Genomics for $21 million and up to $500 million in milestone payments. On 2 June, Roche announced its intention to acquire Genia Technologies Inc. for up to $350 million. In August 2014, the company agreed to purchase Californian-based pharmaceutical firm InterMune for $8.3 billion, at $74 a share this represents a 38% premium over the final share closing price, as well as Santaris Pharma A/S for $450 million. In December 2014, the company acquired

next-generation sequencing Massive parallel sequencing or massively parallel sequencing is any of several high-throughput approaches to DNA sequencing using the concept of massively parallel processing; it is also called next-generation sequencing (NGS) or second-generation s ...

processing company Bina Technologies for an undisclosed sum and Dutalys GmbH a developer of next-generation anti-bodies. On 16 January 2015, the company announced that they would acquire

Trophos Trophos was a biopharmaceutical company specialising in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics to treat both orphan Neurodegenerative diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and more prevalent disorders. Trophos was founded in 1999 in ...

for €470 million ($543 million) in order to increase the company's neuromuscular disease presence. The deal will centre on the Phase II and III

spinal muscular atrophy Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disorder that results in the loss of motor neurons and progressive muscle wasting. It is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood and if left untreated it is the most common genetic ...

drug

olesoxime Olesoxime (TRO19622) is an experimental drug formerly under development by the now-defunct French company Trophos as a treatment for a range of Neuromuscular disease, neuromuscular disorders. It has a cholesterol-like structure and belongs to the ...

(TRO19622). In April 2015, Roche acquired CAPP Medical, and its chief development of technology for cancer screening and monitoring via the detection of circulating tumor DNA. In August, the company announced its intention to acquire GeneWEAVE, Inc. for up to $425 million in order to strengthen its microbial diagnostics business. Days later the company acquired Kapa Biosystems, Inc. for $445M, focussing on next generation sequencing and polymerase chain reaction applications. In October 2015, the company acquired Adheron Therapeutics for $105 million (plus up to $475 million in milestone payments). In January 2016, the company announced it would acquire Tensha Therapeutics for $115 million upfront, with $420 million in contingent payments. In January 2017, the company acquired ForSight VISION4. In June, the company acquired the diabetes management platform, mySugr GmbH for an undisclosed price. In November Roche acquired Viewics, Inc. In late December the company announced it would acquire Ignyta Inc, expanding its global oncology business. In February 2018, Roche announced it would acquire Flatiron Health, a business specialising in US cancer data analytics, for $1.9 billion. In June of the same year the company announced it would acquire the outstanding shares of

for $2.4 billion ($137 per share). Later in September Roche announced its intention to acquire Tusk Therapeutics for up to €655 million ($759 million) expanding Roche's oncology pipeline. Tusk announced that the anti-CD38 antibody it is developing will be spun off to form a new company, Black Belt Therapeutics. In late November, the company announced that Genentech would acquire Jecure Therapeutics, gaining access to Jecure's portfolio of

NLRP3 NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) (previously known as NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 ALP3and cryopyrin), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''NLRP3'' gene located on the long arm of chromosome 1. NLRP3 is ...

inhibitors developed to fight inflammatory diseases like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. In February 2019, the business announced it would acquire

gene therapy Gene therapy is a medical field which focuses on the genetic modification of cells to produce a therapeutic effect or the treatment of disease by repairing or reconstructing defective genetic material. The first attempt at modifying human DN ...

company,

Spark Therapeutics Spark Therapeutics, Inc. is a developer of gene therapy treatments, which treat debilitating genetic diseases. It is a subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche. History The company was founded in 2013 by Katherine A. High, Jeffrey Marrazzo, and Steven A ...

, for ($114.50 per share) adding Spark's gene therapy portfolio to its previous acquired assets. Spark has an already approved treatment for

Leber's congenital amaurosis Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a rare inherited eye disease that appears at birth or in the first few months of life. It affects about 1 in 40,000 newborns. LCA was first described by Theodor Leber in the 19th century. It should not be co ...

, Luxturna - priced at per patient. The offer to acquire

was extended to May 2019 after Roche was unable to garner majority support from Spark shareholders. A second gene therapy-related action came in December with the acquisition of non-United States rights to an investigational

duchenne muscular dystrophy Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects boys. Muscle weakness usually begins around the age of four, and worsens quickly. Muscle loss typically occurs first in the thighs and pelvis fol ...

gene therapy developed by

Sarepta Therapeutics Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. () is a medical research and drug development company with corporation, corporate offices and research facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Incorporated in 1980 as AntiVirals, , archiveurl = http://ww ...

. In November Roche acquired Promedior and its lead treatment - PRM-151 - for the treatment of

idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), or (formerly) fibrosing alveolitis, is a rare, progressive illness of the respiratory system, characterized by the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue, associated with the formation of scar tissue. It is ...

, for $390 million upfront and another $1 billion in milestone payments. In March 2020, the

Roche Diagnostics F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, commonly known as Roche, is a Swiss multinational healthcare company that operates worldwide under two divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. Its holding company, Roche Holding AG, has shares listed on the SIX S ...

division reached a significant milestone with the FDA-approval of its high-volume Sars-CoV-2 diagnostic test, capable of analyzing 1,400-8,800 samples within 24h on the proprietary cobas 6800/8800 molecular testing system. In May the company announced it had acquired US-based Stratos Genomics for an undisclosed amount. In September the business acquired Ireland-based Inflazome, for €380 million, gaining control of its

inflammasome Inflammasomes are cytosolic multiprotein oligomers of the innate immune system responsible for the activation of inflammatory responses. Activation and assembly of the inflammasome promotes proteolytic cleavage, maturation and secretion of pro-in ...

inhibitors. In March 2021, Roche announced it would acquire GenMark Diagnostics for $1.8 billion. Under the terms of agreement, Genmark diagnostics will become a subsidiary and the principle operations will continue to remain in Carlsbad, California. In September, the company announced it would acquire German biotech group, TIB Molbiol, enhancing its molecular diagnostics operations.

Family

The Hoffmann-La Roche family is Switzerland's richest and one of the most secretive families. Many members of the family don't carry the last name Hoffmann anymore. Some are known as

Oeri Oeri is a Swiss surname. Notable people with this surname include: * Gisela Oeri Gisela "Gigi" Oeri (born 1955) is a Swiss-German football chairwoman and philanthropist born 8 November 1955 in Schopfheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She was the ...

, Michalksi,

Faber-Castell Faber-Castell AG is a manufacturer of pens, pencils, other office supplies (e.g., staplers, slide rules, erasers, rulers)Faber-Castell InternationalOffice Products and art supplies,Faber-Castell InternationalProducts for FineArts and FineWriting ...

, Fabre, Schmid or Duschmalé.

Acquisition history

*Hoffmann-La Roche (Founded 1896 by

) **Biomedical Reference Laboratories (Acq 1982, restructured into Roche Biomedical Laboratories, Inc in 1982, sold 1995) **

(Acq 1994) **

(Acq 2002) **

454 Life Sciences 454 Life Sciences was a biotechnology company based in Branford, Connecticut that specialized in high-throughput DNA sequencing. It was acquired by Roche in 2007 and shut down by Roche in 2013 when its technology became noncompetitive, although ...

(Acq 2007) **

***Spring BioScience Corp (Acq 2007) ***

(Acq 2009) ***mySugr GmbH (Acq 2017) ***Viewics, Inc (Acq 2017) ***Flatiron Health (Acq 2018) ***Stratos Genomics (Acq 2020) **Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp (Acq 2009) **

(Acq 2009) ***Tanox, Inc (Acq 2006) ***Arrayit Corporation (Acq 2013) ***Seragon (Acq 2014) ***Jecure Therapeutics (Acq 2018) **Medingo Ltd (Acq 2010) **BioImagene, Inc. (Acq 2010) **PVT Probenverteiltechnik GmbH (Acq 2010) **MTM laboratories AG (Acq 2010) **Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Acq 2010) **Verum Diagnostica GmbH (Acq 2011) **Constitution Medical Inc. (Acq 2012) **IQuum (Acq 2014) **Genia Technologies Inc. (Acq 2014) **InterMune (Acq 2014) **Santaris Pharma A/S (Acq 2014) **Bina Technologies, Inc. (Acq 2014) **Dutalys GmbH (Acq 2014) **Ariosa Diagnostics (Acq 2014) **

(Acq 2015) **CAPP Medical (Acq 2015) **GeneWEAVE BioSciences, Inc. (Acq 2015) **Kapa Biosystems, Inc. (Acq 2015) **Adheron Therapeutics (Acq 2015) **Tensha Therapeutics (Acq 2016) **ForSight VISION4 (Acq 2017) **Ignyta Inc (Acq 2017) ** Foundation Medicine, Inc. (Acq 2018) **Tusk Therapeutics (Acq 2018) **

(Acq 2019) **Promedior (Acq 2019) **Stratos Genomics (Acq 2020) **Inflazome (Acq 2020) **GenMark Diagnostics (Acq 2021) **TIB Molbiol (Acq 2021)

Financial data

Divisions

Roche has two major divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. Roche Diagnostics manufactures

diagnostic Diagnosis is the identification of the nature and cause of a certain phenomenon. Diagnosis is used in many different disciplines, with variations in the use of logic, analytics, and experience, to determine " cause and effect". In systems engine ...

equipment and reagents for research and medical diagnostic applications. Internally, it is organized into five major business areas: Roche Applied Science, Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diabetes Care, Roche Molecular Diagnostics and Roche Tissue Diagnostics ( Ventana). The main location for Roche Professional Diagnostics is in Rotkreuz, Switzerland. All business areas except

Roche Applied Science Roche Applied Science was a global business entity in the biotechnology sector that produces reagents and systems for life sciences research, with an emphasis on molecular genetics and cell biology research needs. Scope of business Roche Applied ...

focus on health care applications, targeting either physicians, hospitals and clinics, or consumers. Applied Science targets research settings in academia and pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Products

Hoffmann-La Roche develops drugs used for cancer treatment, against virus diseases and for treatment of metabolic diseases. The company is the world's largest spender in pharmaceutical R&D. Tamiflu

Drugs produced by Roche include: * Accutane/RoAccutane (

isotretinoin Isotretinoin, also known as 13-''cis''-retinoic acid and sold under the brand name Accutane among others, is a medication primarily used to treat severe acne. It is also used to prevent certain skin cancers (squamous-cell carcinoma), and in th ...

), for severe (nodular) acne vulgaris - no longer sold under Accutane brand name but is still available as RoAccutane, other brand names and Isotretinoin generics. *

Actemra Tocilizumab, sold under the brand name Actemra among others, is an immunosuppressive drug, used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a severe form of arthritis in children, and COVID19. It is a hu ...

/RoActemra (

tocilizumab Tocilizumab, sold under the brand name Actemra among others, is an immunosuppressive drug, used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a severe form of arthritis in children, and COVID19. It is a hu ...

), for rheumatoid arthritis. * Actimmune (

interferon gamma Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a dimerized soluble cytokine that is the only member of the type II class of interferons. The existence of this interferon, which early in its history was known as immune interferon, was described by E. F. Wheelock ...

), for chronic granulomatous disease, later sold to Connetics Corporation, then InterMune, after that Vidara Therapeutics and finally

Horizon Pharma Horizon Therapeutics Public Ltd Co is a biopharmaceutical company focused on researching, developing, and commercializing medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare and rheumatic diseases. Horizon primarily markets products ...

as of 2019. *

Activase Alteplase (t-PA), a biosynthetic form of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), is a thrombolytic medication, used to treat acute ischemic stroke, acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (a type of heart attack), pulmonary embolism as ...

(

alteplase Alteplase (t-PA), a biosynthetic form of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), is a thrombolytic medication, used to treat acute ischemic stroke, acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (a type of heart attack), pulmonary embolism a ...

), for heart attacks. *

Akynzeo Netupitant/palonosetron, sold under the brand name Akynzeo, is a fixed-dose combination medication used for the prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common ...

(

netupitant/palonosetron Netupitant/palonosetron, sold under the brand name Akynzeo, is a fixed-dose combination medication used for the prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It is marketed and distributed by Helsinn Therapeutics. Netu ...

), for nausea and vomiting, licensed by

Eisai Co. is a Japanese pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It has some 10,000 employees, among them about 1,500 in research. Eisai is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is a member of the Topix 100 and Nikkei 225 stock indices. ...

and Helsinn Therapeutics. *

Alecensa Alectinib (International nonproprietary name, INN, marketed as Alecensa) is an oral drug that blocks the activity of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and is used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was developed by Chugai Pharmaceuti ...

(

alectinib Alectinib (INN, marketed as Alecensa) is an oral drug that blocks the activity of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and is used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Japan, which is part of th ...

), for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. *

Aloxi Palonosetron, sold under the brand name Aloxi, is used for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It is a 5-HT3 antagonist. Palonosetron is administered intravenously, or as a single oral capsule. Free ...

(

palonosetron Palonosetron, sold under the brand name Aloxi, is used for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It is a 5-HT3 antagonist. Palonosetron is administered intravenously, or as a single oral capsule. Freel ...

), for nausea and vomiting, licensed by

and Helsinn Therapeutics. * Anexate (

flumazenil Flumazenil (also known as flumazepil, code name Ro 15-1788) is a selective GABAA receptor antagonist administered via injection, otic insertion, or intranasally. Therapeutically, it acts as both an antagonist and antidote to benzodiazepines ( ...

), for the reversal of acute benzodiazepine effects. *

Aurorix Moclobemide, sold under the brand names Amira, Aurorix, Clobemix, Depnil and Manerix among others, is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (RIMA) drug primarily used to treat Clinical depression, depression and social anxiety. It is not a ...

(

moclobemide Moclobemide, sold under the brand names Amira, Aurorix, Clobemix, Depnil and Manerix among others, is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (RIMA) drug primarily used to treat depression and social anxiety. It is not approved for use in t ...

), for depression. *

Avastin Bevacizumab, sold under the brand name Avastin among others, is a medication used to treat a number of types of cancers and a specific eye disease. For cancer, it is given by slow injection into a vein (Intravenous therapy, intravenous) and use ...

(

bevacizumab Bevacizumab, sold under the brand name Avastin among others, is a medication used to treat a number of types of cancers and a specific eye disease. For cancer, it is given by slow injection into a vein (intravenous) and used for colon cancer, l ...

), for certain malignant tumors. *

Bactrim Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, sold under the brand name Bactrim among others, is a fixed-dose combination antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It consists of one part trimethoprim to five parts sulfamethoxaz ...

(

trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, sold under the brand name Bactrim among others, is a fixed-dose combination antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It consists of one part trimethoprim to five parts sulfamethoxazo ...

), a sulphonamide antibacterial. * Boniva/Bonviva (

ibandronic acid Ibandronic acid is a bisphosphonate medication used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and metastasis-associated skeletal fractures in people with cancer. It may also be used to treat hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels). ...

), for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. *Camleed (

enprostil Enprostil is a synthetic prostaglandin designed to resemble dinoprostone. Enprostil was found to be a highly potent inhibitor of gastric HCl secretion. It is an analog of prostaglandin E2 but unlike this prostaglandin, which binds to and activates ...

), for gastric ulcer prevention. *

Cardene Calcium channel blockers CYP2D6 inhibitors Dihydropyridines Nitrobenzenes Hoffmann-La Roche brands Carboxylate esters Amines Glycine receptor agonists Glycine receptor antagonists GABAA receptor negative allosteric modulators Methyl esters ...

(

nicardipine Nicardipine (Cardene) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). It is also used for Raynaud's phenomenon. It is available in by mouth and intravenous ...

), for treatment of stable angina pectoris. *

Cathflo Activase Alteplase (t-PA), a biosynthetic form of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), is a thrombolytic medication, used to treat acute ischemic stroke, acute ST elevation myocardial infarction, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (a type of h ...

(

), for heart attacks. * Cellcept (

mycophenolate mofetil Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent rejection following organ transplantation and to treat autoimmune conditions such as Crohn's disease and lupus. Specifically it is used following kidney, heart, and live ...

), for transplant rejection. * Cotellic (

cobimetinib Cobimetinib, sold under the brand name Cotellic, is an anti-cancer medication used in combination with vemurafenib (Zelboraf) alone or with both vemurafenib and atezolizumab (Tecentriq) to treat melanoma. Cobimetinib is a MEK inhibitor. Cotell ...

), for melanoma. *

Cymevene Ganciclovir, sold under the brand name Cytovene among others, is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Ganciclovir was patented in 1980 and approved for medical use in 1988. Medical use Ganciclovir is indicated ...

(

ganciclovir Ganciclovir, sold under the brand name Cytovene among others, is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Ganciclovir was patented in 1980 and approved for medical use in 1988. Medical use Ganciclovir is indicated f ...

), for cytomegalovirus infection. *

Dalmane Flurazepam (marketed under the brand names Dalmane and Dalmadorm) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It produces a metabolite with a ...

/Dalmadorm (

flurazepam Flurazepam (marketed under the brand names Dalmane and Dalmadorm) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It produces a metabolite w ...

), for insomnia. *Dilatrend (

carvedilol Carvedilol, sold under the brand name Coreg among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), and left ventricular dysfunction in people who are otherwise stable. For high blood pressure, it is gen ...

), for hypertension and congestive heart failure. *

Dormicum Midazolam, sold under the brand name Versed among others, is a benzodiazepine medication used for anesthesia and procedural sedation, and to treat severe agitation. It works by inducing sleepiness, decreasing anxiety, and causing a loss of a ...

(

midazolam Midazolam, sold under the brand name Versed among others, is a benzodiazepine medication used for anesthesia and procedural sedation, and to treat severe agitation. It works by inducing sleepiness, decreasing anxiety, and causing a loss of a ...

), for insomnia and

procedural sedation and analgesia Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is a technique in which a sedating/dissociative medication is given, usually along with an analgesic medication, in order to perform non-surgical procedures on a patient. The overall goal is to induce a decr ...

. *

Erivedge Vismodegib (trade name Erivedge ) is a drug for the treatment of basal-cell carcinoma (BCC). The approval of vismodegib on January 30, 2012, represents the first Hedgehog signaling pathway targeting agent to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administrati ...

(

vismodegib Vismodegib (trade name Erivedge ) is a drug for the treatment of basal-cell carcinoma (BCC). The approval of vismodegib on January 30, 2012, represents the first Hedgehog signaling pathway targeting agent to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administrati ...

), for basal-cell carcinoma. * Esbriet (

pirfenidone Pirfenidone is a medication used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It works by reducing lung fibrosis through downregulation of the production of growth factors and procollagens I and II. It was first approved in Japan for t ...

), for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. *

Fansidar Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Fansidar, is a combination medication used to treat malaria. It contains sulfadoxine (a sulfonamide) and pyrimethamine (an antiprotozoal). For the treatment of malaria it is typically used alo ...

(

sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Fansidar, is a combination medication used to treat malaria. It contains sulfadoxine (a sulfonamide) and pyrimethamine (an antiprotozoal). For the treatment of malaria it is typically used alo ...

), for malaria and toxoplasmosis. *

Fuzeon Enfuvirtide ( INN) is an HIV fusion inhibitor, the first of a class of antiretroviral drugs used in combination therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It is marketed under the trade name Fuzeon (Roche). Structural formula Enfuvirtide i ...

(

enfuvirtide Enfuvirtide (INN) is an HIV fusion inhibitor, the first of a class of antiretroviral drugs used in combination therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It is marketed under the trade name Fuzeon (Roche). Structural formula Enfuvirtide is ...

), for

salvage therapy Salvage therapy, also known as rescue therapy, is a form of therapy given after an ailment does not respond to standard therapy. The most common diseases that require salvage therapy are HIV and various cancers. The term is not clearly defined; it ...

of HIV-1 infection. *

Gazyva Obinutuzumab, sold under the brand name Gazyva among others, is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, originated by GlycArt Biotechnology AG and developed by Roche as a cancer treatment. It can be used as a first-line treatment for chronic ly ...

(

), for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. *

Hemlibra Emicizumab (trade name Hemlibra) is a humanized bispecific antibody for the treatment of haemophilia A, developed by Genentech and Chugai (a subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche, Roche). A Phase I clinical trial found that it was well tolerated by hea ...

( emicizumab), for haemophilia A. *

Herceptin Trastuzumab, sold under the brand name Herceptin among others, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast cancer and stomach cancer. It is specifically used for cancer that is HER2 receptor positive. It may be used by itself or together wi ...

(

trastuzumab Trastuzumab, sold under the brand name Herceptin among others, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast cancer and stomach cancer. It is specifically used for cancer that is HER2 receptor positive. It may be used by itself or together wit ...

), for HER-2 positive breast cancer. *

Hivid Zalcitabine (2′-3′-dideoxycytidine, ddC), also called dideoxycytidine, is a nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) sold under the trade name Hivid. Zalcitabine was the third antiretroviral to be approved by the Food and Drug A ...

(

zalcitabine Zalcitabine (2′-3′-di deoxycytidine, ddC), also called dideoxycytidine, is a nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) sold under the trade name Hivid. Zalcitabine was the third antiretroviral to be approved by the Food and Drug ...

), for HIV-1 infection, later discontinued in 2006. *

Inhibace Cilazapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) used for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. It was patented in 1982 and approved for medical use in 1990. Chemistry Of the eight possible stereo ...

(

cilazapril Cilazapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) used for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. It was patented in 1982 and approved for medical use in 1990. Chemistry Of the eight possible stere ...

), for hypertension and congestive heart failure. * Invirase (

saquinavir Saquinavir (SQV), sold under the brand names Invirase and Fortovase, is an antiretroviral drug used together with other medications to treat or prevent HIV/AIDS. Typically it is used with ritonavir or lopinavir/ritonavir to increase its effect ...

), for HIV-1 infection. * Kadcyla (

trastuzumab emtansine Trastuzumab emtansine, sold under the brand name Kadcyla, is an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) covalently linked to the cytotoxic agent DM1. Trastuzumab alone stops growth of can ...

), for HER-2 positive breast cancer. *

Klonopin Clonazepam, sold under the brand names Klonopin and Rivotril, is a medication used to prevent and treat seizures, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, and the movement disorder known as akathisia. It is a tranquilizer of the benzodiazepine clas ...

/Rivotril (

clonazepam Clonazepam, sold under the brand names Klonopin and Rivotril, is a medication used to prevent and treat seizures, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, and the movement disorder known as akathisia. It is a tranquilizer of the benzodiazepine clas ...

), for epilepsy and anxiety disorders. * Kytril (

granisetron Granisetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used as an antiemetic to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Its main effect is to reduce the activity of the vagus nerve, which is a nerve that activates the v ...

), for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, licensed by

GlaxoSmithKline GSK plc, formerly GlaxoSmithKline plc, is a British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company with global headquarters in London, England. Established in 2000 by a merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. GSK is the ten ...

. *

Lariam Mefloquine, sold under the brand name Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent or treat malaria. When used for prevention it is typically started before potential exposure and continued for several weeks after potential exposure. It ...

(

mefloquine Mefloquine, sold under the brand name Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent or treat malaria. When used for prevention it is typically started before potential exposure and continued for several weeks after potential exposure. It ...

), for malaria (both prevention and treatment). * Lexotanil (

bromazepam Bromazepam, sold under many brand names, is a benzodiazepine. It is mainly an anti-anxiety agent with similar side effects to diazepam (Valium). In addition to being used to treat anxiety or panic states, bromazepam may be used as a premedicant ...

), for anxiety disorders. *

Librax Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium bromide (marketed as Librax) is a fixed-dose combination medication used to treat peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastritis. It contains chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide. It helps relieve stoma ...

( Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium bromide), treating stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or symptoms related to intestinal infection. *

Librium Chlordiazepoxide, trade name Librium among others, is a sedative and hypnotic medication of the benzodiazepine class; it is used to treat anxiety, insomnia and symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. Chlordiazepoxide has a medium to ...

(

chlordiazepoxide Chlordiazepoxide, trade name Librium among others, is a sedative and hypnotic medication of the benzodiazepine class; it is used to treat anxiety, insomnia and symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. Chlordiazepoxide has a medium t ...

), for anxiety disorders. *

Lucentis Ranibizumab, sold under the brand name Lucentis among others, is a monoclonal antibody fragment ( Fab) created from the same parent mouse antibody as bevacizumab. It is an anti-angiogenic that is approved to treat the "wet" type of age-related m ...

(

ranibizumab Ranibizumab, sold under the brand name Lucentis among others, is a monoclonal antibody fragment ( Fab) created from the same parent mouse antibody as bevacizumab. It is an anti-angiogenic that is approved to treat the "wet" type of age-related m ...

), for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). * Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec), for Leber's congenital amaurosis. *MabThera (rituximab), for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (and other hematological malignancies), non-Hodgkin lymphomas and rheumatoid arthritis. *Madopar/Prolopa (levodopa/benserazide), for Parkinson's disease. *Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta), for anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease. *Naprosyn (naproxen), an NSAID used for pain relief and arthritis treatment. *Neulastim (pegfilgrastim), for neutropenia. *Neupogen (filgrastim), for neutropenia. *Nutropin (somatropin), for growth hormone deficiency. *Nutropin AQ (somatropin), for growth hormone deficiency. *Nutropin Depot (somatropin), for growth hormone deficiency, later discontinued in 2004 and replaced by Nutropin AQ. *Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), for MS. *Peginterferon alfa-2a, Pegasys, (peginterferon alfa-2a) for hepatitis B and C. *Perjeta (pertuzumab), for HER-2 positive breast cancer. *Polatuzumab vedotin, Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin), for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. *Protropin (somatrem), for growth hormone deficiency, later discontinued in 2004 in favor of its successor, Nutropin. *Pulmozyme (dornase alfa), for the improvement of pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis. *Raptiva (efalizumab), for psoriasis, later withdrawn in 2009 due to the risk of PML. *Recormon/NeoRecormon (epoetin beta), for anemia. *Rituxan (rituximab), for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. *Rocaltrol (calcitriol), for osteoporosis and hypocalcaemia. *Rocephin (ceftriaxone), a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic. *Roferon A (peginterferon alfa-2a), for some hematological malignancies (hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia), certain solid tumors (including Kaposi's sarcoma), genital warts and chronic hepatitis C. *Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), for severe insomnia. *Rozlytrek (entrectinib), for ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer and NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors. *Soriatane/Neotigason (acitretin), for psoriasis. *Tamiflu (oseltamivir), for influenza A and B (both treatment and prevention). *Tarceva (erlotinib), for various cancers. *Tasmar (tolcapone), for parkinson's disease, licensed by Mylan and Bausch Health. *Tecentriq (atezolizumab), for non-small cell lung cancer. *TNKase (tenecteplase), for heart attacks. *Toradol (ketorolac), for pain management. *Valcyte (valganciclovir), for cytomegalovirus infection. *Valium (diazepam), for anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus and other conditions. *Venclexta (venetoclax), for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. *Versed (

), for insomnia and

. *Vesanoid (tretinoin), for acute promyelocytic leukemia. *Viracept (nelfinavir), for HIV-1 infection, licensed by Pfizer and ViiV Healthcare. *Xeloda (capecitabine), for breast and colorectal cancer. *Xenical (orlistat), for obesity. *Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), for influenza A and B (both treatment and prevention). *Xolair (omalizumab), for asthma. *Zelboraf (vemurafenib), for late-stage V600E BRAF mutation-positive melanoma. *Zenapax (daclizumab), for the prevention of acute transplant rejection. Diabetes management products produced by Roche under the Glucose meter, Accu-Chek brand include Accu-Chek Mobile, Accu-Chek Aviva, Accu-Chek Compact Plus, Accu-Chek Aviva Expert, Accu-Chek Active, Accu-Chek Advantage, Accu-Chek Performa, Accu-Chek Aviva Nano, Accu-Chek Performa Nano blood glucose monitors. Accu-Chek Spirit and Accu-Chek Combo insulin pumps. Accu-Chek 360 and SmartPix diabetes management software. Other products include: *Cobas Mira

Price-fixing conspiracy

Stanley Adams (whistleblower), Stanley Adams, Roche's World Product Manager in Basel, contacted the European Economic Community in 1973 with evidence that Roche had been breaking antitrust laws, engaging in price fixing and market sharing for vitamins with its competitors. Roche was fined accordingly, but a bungle on the part of the EEC allowed the company to discover that it was Adams who had blown the whistle. He was arrested for unauthorised disclosure — an offence under Swiss law — and imprisoned. His wife, having learnt that he might face decades in jail, committed suicide. In 1999 the firm pleaded guilty to participation in a worldwide conspiracy to raise and fix prices for vitamin supplement, vitamins sold in the US and globally. Hoffmann-La Roche paid $500 million in criminal fines to the United States.

Collaborative research

In addition to internal research and development activities F. Hoffmann-La Roche is also involved in publicly funded collaborative research projects, with other industrial and academic partners. One example in the area of Pre-clinical development, non-clinical safety assessment is the InnoMed PredTox. The company is expanding its activities in joint research projects within the framework of the Innovative Medicines Initiative of EFPIA and the European Commission.

References

External links

*
Roche Diagnostics
{{authority control Roche, Multinational companies headquartered in Switzerland Price fixing convictions Pharmaceutical companies of Switzerland Pharmaceutical companies established in 1896 Orphan drug companies Life sciences industry Swiss brands Companies listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange