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

Rhea-AI Summary

Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) launched the cobas eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3 (RP3), a diagnostic test now available in countries accepting the CE mark. The RP3 detects up to 250 viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Bordetella pertussis and RSV, from a single patient sample.

The test requires <1 minute hands-on time, runs on the cobas eplex system, and aims to speed diagnosis, guide targeted treatment, and help hospitals manage surge capacity and isolation beds.

Positive

• CE availability enables immediate use in CE-mark countries
• Broad coverage: detects up to 250 viruses and bacteria from one sample
• Operational speed: less than 1 minute hands-on time reported
• Workflow benefit: designed for 24/7 use to help manage surge periods

Negative

• Availability limited to countries accepting the CE mark initially
• Internal inconsistency: release references both "up to 250" and "more than 20" pathogens

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• The new test detects up to 250 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

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SOURCE Roche

FAQ

What pathogens does Roche's cobas eplex RP3 (RHHBY) detect as of March 24, 2026?

The cobas eplex RP3 detects up to 250 viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Bordetella pertussis and RSV. According to Roche, the panel covers a broad range of respiratory pathogens from a single patient sample to aid differential diagnosis.

Is the cobas eplex RP3 by Roche (RHHBY) available in the U.S. or only CE markets?

As of March 24, 2026, the cobas eplex RP3 is available in countries accepting the CE mark, not stated as available in the U.S. According to Roche, initial rollout targets CE-mark markets for clinical use.

How fast is the cobas eplex RP3 test turnaround and hands-on time (RHHBY)?

The test requires less than one minute of hands-on time to start and delivers rapid results. According to Roche, this speed helps clinicians make fast treatment decisions and manage emergency-room throughput and isolation beds.

How will Roche's cobas eplex RP3 (RHHBY) affect hospital respiratory surge management?

The RP3 is designed for 24/7 use and rapid multi-pathogen detection to help manage surges in respiratory cases. According to Roche, it aims to reduce ER dwell time and improve isolation bed allocation during peak seasons.

Can the cobas eplex RP3 (RHHBY) reduce unnecessary antibiotic use?

Yes; the RP3's pathogen-specific results can help clinicians avoid unnecessary antibiotics when a viral cause is identified. According to Roche, targeted diagnosis supports appropriate treatment and infection-control measures.

What system is required to run Roche's cobas eplex RP3 test (RHHBY)?

The cobas eplex RP3 runs on the cobas eplex system, designed for continuous operation. According to Roche, the integration is intended to simplify lab workflow and support around-the-clock testing in hospitals.