Roche Hldg Stock Price, News & Analysis

Roche announced positive results from four phase III studies of its investigational bispecific antibody, faricimab, for treating diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Approximately 50% of patients could be treated every four months, with about 75% treated every three months or longer. Faricimab showed non-inferior vision gains compared to aflibercept and demonstrated consistent improvements in anatomical outcomes. If approved, it would be the first new treatment for nAMD in 15 years and for DME in nearly a decade.

Roche has received FDA 510K clearance for stabilised urine samples with its cobas® BKV Test, marking a significant advancement in managing BK virus (BKV) in transplant patients. This non-invasive test allows easier collection and storage of urine samples, enhancing diagnosis capabilities. The test is critical as BKV can cause severe complications in immunocompromised patients, often indicated by higher BKV DNA levels in urine. Roche aims to provide standardized solutions for monitoring infection risks, furthering its commitment to improving transplant patient care.

On February 8, 2021, Roche announced submission for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test aimed at healthcare professionals in point-of-care settings. This test allows for rapid identification of COVID-19 infections within 15 minutes using a nasal swab, providing vital resources where PCR tests are unavailable. Roche anticipates producing tens of millions of tests monthly in the U.S. and will also offer NAVIFY® Pass, a digital solution for sharing diagnostic results. This initiative is part of Roche's broader response to enhance COVID-19 testing capabilities.

Roche has received FDA's Breakthrough Device Designation for its Elecsys® GDF-15 assay, a companion diagnostic for identifying cachectic patients with solid tumors eligible for treatment with Pfizer’s investigational drug PF-06946860. Cachexia affects over 30 million globally, significantly impairing the quality of life and increasing mortality risks among cancer patients. This partnership aims to enable precision medicine approaches, ensuring effective treatment for patients suffering from cachexia, thus enhancing cancer therapy outcomes.

Roche reported a 1% increase in group sales at constant exchange rates for 2020, despite a 5% decline in Swiss francs due to currency appreciation. The Pharmaceuticals Division experienced a 2% decline in sales, hindered by competition from biosimilars and missed COVID-19 medical appointments. Conversely, the Diagnostics Division surged by 14%, driven by COVID-19 diagnostics. Roche's IFRS net income rose by 17% to CHF 15.1 billion.

An increase in dividends to CHF 9.10 is proposed, pending shareholder approval.

Roche has received CE marking for its new SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal, which provides a less invasive method for COVID-19 testing. Unlike previous versions that require nasopharyngeal swabs, this test uses nasal samples for quicker, easier collection. The test is suitable for self-collection under professional supervision and is expected to launch in mid-February 2021. Clinical studies show a relative sensitivity of 90.6% for professionally collected samples and 84.4% for self-collected samples, ensuring effective detection of the virus.

Genentech announced positive topline results from two Phase III studies, TENAYA and LUCERNE, for its bispecific antibody faricimab in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Both studies met their primary endpoint, demonstrating that faricimab injections at intervals up to 16 weeks achieved comparable visual acuity to aflibercept given every 8 weeks. Approximately 45% of participants receiving faricimab were treated every 16 weeks, marking a significant milestone in treatment durability. Faricimab was generally well tolerated with no new safety concerns.

Genentech, part of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced that the FDA has accepted its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Esbriet^® (pirfenidone) to treat unclassifiable interstitial lung disease (UILD) and granted Priority Review. A decision is expected by May 2021. This sNDA is based on a Phase II trial, the first randomized controlled study for UILD, indicating Esbriet may benefit patients. The treatment has previously received Orphan Drug and Breakthrough Therapy Designations from the FDA.

Genentech has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) from the FDA for tiragolumab, an innovative cancer immunotherapy targeting TIGIT, in combination with Tecentriq for treating metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high PD-L1 expression. This marks the first anti-TIGIT molecule to receive BTD, based on promising results from the Phase II CITYSCAPE trial, which demonstrated improved overall response rates and progression-free survival. Genentech plans to further develop tiragolumab across multiple cancer types, aiming for significant advancements in treatment.