/C O R R E C T I O N -- Roche/

Rhea-AI Summary

Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) launched the cobas eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3 (RP3), a multiplex diagnostic now available in countries accepting the CE mark that detects up to 25 viruses and bacteria from a single sample.

The test targets pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Bordetella pertussis, and RSV, requires less than one minute hands-on time, and is designed for 24/7 use on the cobas eplex system to aid rapid clinical decisions and hospital surge management.

Positive

• Detects up to 25 viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens
• CE-mark availability enables near-term rollout across accepting countries
• 1 minute
• 24/7 use on cobas eplex helps hospitals manage surge and isolation beds

Negative

• Availability limited to countries accepting the CE mark; other market approvals not announced

News Market Reaction – RHHBY

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-0.17% News Effect

On the day this news was published, RHHBY declined 0.17%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

In the news release, Roche launches the cobas eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3, a fast and comprehensive test to help clinicians treat patients with respiratory infections, in CE markets, issued 24-Mar-2026 by Roche over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

Roche launches the cobas eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3, a fast and comprehensive test to help clinicians treat patients with respiratory infections, in CE markets

• The new test detects up to 25 viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Bordetella pertussis, and RSV, in a single patient sample.
• Rapid results enable doctors to make fast, confident and critical treatment decisions that are vital for high-risk patients.
• Designed for the cobas eplex system, the test is easy to use and available around the clock, helping hospitals manage surges in respiratory cases.

PLEASANTON, Calif., March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today the launch of the cobas^® eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3 (RP3), a new diagnostic test designed to detect a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illness. The test is now available in countries accepting the CE mark.

Differential diagnosis of respiratory infections can be complex because many of the viruses and bacteria associated with respiratory infections may cause very similar symptoms. For vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems, a respiratory infection can quickly become life-threatening.

"In respiratory care, time is everything. Knowing exactly what is making a patient sick allows clinicians to make fast, effective decisions that can save lives," said Josh Lauer, Global Head of Molecular Labs at Roche Diagnostics. "We are providing hospitals with a powerful tool to manage the complexity of respiratory infections, ensuring that patients — especially those at high risk — get the targeted care they need without delay."

The cobas eplex RP3 panel provides critical support to healthcare providers during peak respiratory seasons, which are the most demanding times of the year. The new test detects more than 20 different viral and bacterial pathogens simultaneously. This helps clinicians quickly pinpoint the exact cause of a patient's illness, allowing them to start the right treatment sooner, implement adequate infection and transmission control measures, and, in some cases, avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and improve patient prognosis.

With less than one minute of hands-on time required to start the test, it is incredibly easy for laboratory staff to use. With ease of use and fast time to results, the cobas eplex RP3 panel can help reduce the time patients spend in the emergency room and allows hospitals to better manage isolation beds, keeping infectious patients separate from others.

About the cobas eplex RP3 Panel
The cobas eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3 is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test aimed at the simultaneous detection and differentiation of up to 25 viral and bacterial targets. It runs on the cobas eplex system, a platform designed to simplify laboratory workflow with features like automated result reporting and external control tracking & monitoring. Like the RP2 panel, the RP3 panel detects common pathogens, such as influenza virus A and B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2,, plus new pathogens including Bordetella parapertussis and Chlamydia pneumoniae that can cause severe illness in high risk patients. The cobas eplex RP3 panel also has updated inclusivity for influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 to ensure coverage of current and recently circulating strains. This test is also the first in the cobas eplex family to feature flexible syndromic testing, giving the option to labs to customise up to 5 distinct panels based on local prevalence needs or unique patient presentations.

About Roche
Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) is a healthcare company uniquely placed to prevent, stop and cure diseases by uniting leading science and technology across diagnostics, medicines and digital solutions.

Roche was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and today is a leading provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 150 countries around the world. It is dedicated to tackling healthcare challenges that place the greatest strain on patients, families, communities and healthcare systems. Across its Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical divisions, Roche focuses on areas including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and immunology with the aim of providing real and positive change for patients, the people they love and the professionals who care for them.

Genentech in the United States is a fully owned subsidiary in the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, a major innovator in the Japanese therapeutic antibody market.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

For further information please contact

Yvette Petillon, Group Media Relations
Phone: +41 79 961 92 50
e-Mail: yvette.petillon@roche.com

Brien Mahoney, Molecular Labs Communications
Phone: +1 925 699 8512
e-Mail: brien.mahoney@roche.com

Correction: The stated number of detectable viruses and bacteria has been corrected from 250 to 25 in the sub-headline.  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/roche-launches-the-cobas-eplex-respiratory-pathogen-panel-3-a-fast-and-comprehensive-test-to-help-clinicians-treat-patients-with-respiratory-infections-in-ce-markets-302722538.html

SOURCE Roche

FAQ

What does Roche announce about the cobas eplex RP3 test (RHHBY) on March 24, 2026?

Roche announced the launch of the cobas eplex RP3 test, available in CE-mark countries and detecting up to 25 pathogens. According to the company, the panel identifies viruses and bacteria from a single sample and is designed for continuous use on the cobas eplex system.

Which pathogens does the cobas eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3 (RHHBY) detect?

The panel detects more than 20, up to 25, respiratory viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Bordetella pertussis, and RSV. According to the company, this broad coverage helps clinicians differentiate causes of similar respiratory symptoms rapidly.

How fast is the cobas eplex RP3 test in hands-on and clinical workflow (RHHBY)?

Hands-on setup takes less than one minute, enabling quick lab processing and faster results. According to the company, minimal operator time plus automated run capability supports faster clinical decisions and emergency-department throughput.

Where is the cobas eplex RP3 test (RHHBY) available and are other markets covered?

The test is available in countries accepting the CE mark; other regulatory markets were not announced. According to the company, initial rollout targets CE-mark countries with availability via the cobas eplex system.

How can the cobas eplex RP3 test (RHHBY) affect hospital operations during respiratory season?

The test can speed etiologic diagnosis, enabling targeted treatment and better isolation bed management during surges. According to the company, faster results help clinicians implement infection control and potentially reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.