Roche Aims for 20 New Medicines, Tripled Patient Reach by 2029
Roche Holding AG, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, has announced an ambitious plan to develop 20 new medicines by 2029, targeting some of the most burdensome diseases worldwide, as well as triple its patient reach during the same period, Bloomberg reports.
This ambitious initiative stems from a year-long restructuring of Roche’s research and development (R&D) program, spearheaded by CEO Thomas Schinecker. The move comes in response to recent setbacks in the company’s cancer and Alzheimer’s disease pipeline, prompting a renewed focus on innovation and a streamlined approach.
“We are looking to deliver on our commitment to patients by bringing forward impactful medicines that can truly make a difference,” said Schinecker. “Our R&D strategy is driven by a clear focus on patient needs and scientific rigor, and we are confident that we can achieve our goals.”
The new plan includes a focus on boosting the success rate of final-stage clinical trials, a crucial hurdle before drug approval. Roche aims to increase its success rate by approximately 20%, acknowledging past challenges in this area.
Beyond cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, Roche is venturing into new territories, including the burgeoning market for obesity treatments, seeking to challenge established players like Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly & Co.
The company’s existing pharmaceutical portfolio is projected to deliver growth through at least 2027. The streamlined strategy includes a focus on five key therapeutic areas: cardiovascular disease, ophthalmology, immunology, neurology, and cancer and hematology.
