SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 7, 2024 – Roche, a global healthcare pioneer, has announced continued strong sales growth in the third quarter of 2024. The company's performance was driven by high demand for both its Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics divisions, with Group sales increasing by 9% at constant exchange rates (CER). [cite: 1, 2, 3]
“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,” said Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker.
Pharmaceuticals Division
The Pharmaceuticals Division posted sales growth of 7% in the first nine months of 2024, with the base business (excluding COVID-19 products) growing by 9%. [cite: 3, 4, 5] This strong performance was fueled by continued high demand for newer medicines, including Vabysmo (serious eye diseases), Phesgo (breast cancer), and Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis).
“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,” said Schinecker.
Key highlights for the Pharmaceuticals Division include:
U.S. approval for Itovebi (inavolisib) for breast cancer, Ocrevus Zunovo subcutaneous injection for multiple sclerosis, and Tecentriq Hybreza subcutaneous formulation for various types of cancer.
* EU approval for Vabysmo for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and PiaSky for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
* Positive phase III data for Gazyva/Gazyvaro (lupus nephritis), Xofluza (influenza), and Tecentriq (lung cancer).
* New positive phase II data for fenebrutinib (multiple sclerosis) and new positive long-term data for Evrysdi (spinal muscular atrophy).
Diagnostics Division
The Diagnostics Division also performed well, with sales increasing by 5% in the first nine months of 2024. The base business grew by 8% due to higher demand for immunodiagnostic, pathology, and molecular solutions.
Key highlights for the Diagnostics Division include:
* Launch of the cobas Respiratory flex test, the first to use Roche's new Temperature-Activated Generation of Signal (TAGS) technology.
* WHO endorsement for CINtec PLUS testing for cervical cancer prevention.
* Closing of the acquisition of LumiraDx's point-of-care technology.
Outlook for 2024
Roche confirmed its outlook for 2024, expecting an increase in Group sales in the mid-single-digit range (CER). Core earnings per share are targeted to grow in the high single-digit range (CER), excluding the impact from the resolution of tax disputes in 2023. Roche also expects to further increase its dividend in Swiss francs.
About Roche
Roche is a global healthcare company with a pioneering history in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. The company is committed to scientific excellence and personalized healthcare, working to transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact on patients' lives.