1978

Product introduction: Rocaltrol, osteodystrophy drug

Rocaltrol, a drug for the treatment of osteodystrophy, especially in kidney failure and in hemodialysis patients, is launched.

1979

Product introduction: Cobas Bio, first analytical instrument for clinical laboratories

The diagnostics division launches the Cobas Bio, the first analytical instrument for clinical laboratories developed entirely at Roche.

1980

Start of collaboration with Genentech, USA

At the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology a pure interferon alfa is isolated. Roche Nutley and Genentech, a biotech company in South San Francisco, start work on a joint project to produce a genetically engineered version of the substance.

1981

Product introductions: Pretuval, cold and flu remedy; Benical, cough syrup

Pretuval, a remedy for colds and flu, as well as Benical, a cough syrup, are launched.

1982

Product introductions: Rocephin, antibiotic drug of the cephalosporin class

Rocephin, an antibiotic of the cephalosporin class, is launched in Switzerland only four years after its discovery. By 1987 Rocephin will be outselling all other Roche products world-wide.

1983

Product introudction: Enzyme immunoassay test for monitoring treatment of cancer introduced

An enzyme immunoassay, based on monoclonal antibodies, for monitoring the treatment of certain types of cancers is launched.

1984

Prix Galien for Tigason

Roche receives the Prix Galien for Tigason, the first truly effective treatment for severe forms of psoriasis. The active ingredient of Tigason is a retinoid.

1984

Nobel Prize to Niels Kaj Jerne and Georges Köhler (Basel Institute of Immunology)

Niels Kaj Jerne, the first director of the Basel Institute of Immunology is awarded the Nobel Prize for medicine for his seminal work in immunology. Sharing the award with him are César Milstein and Georges Köhler, the discoverers of monoclonal antibodies.

1985

Product introductions: Lariam and Fansimef, two antimalarial drugs

The antimalarials Lariam and Fansimef are launched, fighting the disease as the mosquitoes that transmit the disease have become resistant to insecticides.

1985

Product introduction: Cobas Mira, clinical chemistry analyser

Cobas Mira, a clinical chemistry analyser, is launched by the diagnostics division. A bioanalytical system, Cobas Mira is the first of a large group of state-of-the-art, high quality clinical chemistry analysers used in medical laboratories.

1986

Sight and Life Task Force established

The Sight and Life Task Force is established. It is actively engaged in the fight against nutritional blindness, a condition caused by vitamin A deficiency and encountered primarily in developing countries.

1986

Product introduction: Roferon-A, Roche's first genetically engineered drug

Roferon-A (interferon alfa-2a), Roche's first genetically engineered drug, is launched for the treatment of hairy cell leukaemia. Alfa interferons are chemical messengers which are produced naturally by cells of the immune system during viral infections and trigger antiviral response.
In the years to come its therapeutic uses will be continually expanded.

1986

Product introduction: Screening test for human immunodeficiency virus

The diagnostics division introduces a screening test for the human immunodeficiency virus HIV, preparing the way for extensive research and development in this area.

1987

Nobel Prize for Susumu Tonegawa

Susumu Tonegawa, who worked at the Basel Institute for Immunology from 1972 to 1981, receives the Nobel Prize for medicine for elucidating the genetic mechanisms that control antibody production.

1987

Product introductions: Anexate, anaesthesia; Tilcotil, antiinflammatory agent

The benzodiazepine antagonist Anexate, used to control anaesthesia, is launched. Anexate helps to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines.
Tilcotil, a non-steriodal antiinflammatory drug against rheumatism, is introduced.

1988

Prix Galien for Anexate

Anexate, a Benzodiazepine antagonist used for the control of anaesthesia, is awarded the Prix Galien one year after its introduction.

1989

Foundation of Roche Holding AG

The Group structure introduced in 1986 is extended and reinforced, preparing the way for divisionalisation in 1990. The changes involve the formation of a holding company, parallel to an increase in nominal share capital and an increase in the number of bearer shares. The new structure gives Roche access to international capital markets.

1989

Roche International Clinical Research Centre inaugurated in Strasbourg, France

The Roche International Clinical Research Centre opens in Strasbourg, France. It is responsible for conducting clinical trials and preparing international regulatory filings in several therapeutic areas.

1990

Product introductions: Aurorix, antidepressant; Inhibace, antihypertensive drug

The antidepressant drug Aurorix is launched, complementing Roche's wide range of psychotropic drugs.
Inhibace, an antihypertensive drug developed at Roche Welwyn is introduced. Inhibace is the first Roche product designed with the aid of computer modelling techniques.

1991

Acquisition of Nicholas, non-prescription medicines producer

With the purchase of Nicholas, a producer of non-prescription medicines, Roche strengthens its portfolio of over-the-counter medicines, an increasingly important area because of the growing trend towards self-medication. Nicholas will later be integrated with the rest of the group's OTC business to form Roche Consumer Health.

1991

Acquisition of the rights to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from Cetus Corporation, USA

Roche acquires the world-wide marketing rights to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from Cetus Corporation. Capable of detecting even minute amounts of genetic material, this technique opens the way to developing diagnostic tests that are fast, sensitive and specific.

1991

Product introductions: Loceryl, fungal infections; Neupogen, adjuvant cancer chemotherapy agent

Loceryl, an agent for the treatment of fungal infections, introduced.
Neupogen, a product developed jointly with the US company Amgen, is launched. It enhances the immune response of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, thus reducing the risk of infections.

1991

Product introduction: Cobas Core, immunochemistry analyser

Cobas Core, the first immunochemistry analyser developed at Roche is introduced.

1991

Formation of Givaudan-Roure, forming the fragrances and flavours division

In the fragrances and flavours division, Givaudan merges with its sister company Roure to form Givaudan-Roure S.A.

1992

Product introduction: Hivid, Roche's first HIV-antiviral drug; Quinodis and Globocef, both for bacterial infections

Hivid, Roche's first Aids drug is introduced, opening a new and vastly growing market for the treatment of the underlying HIV infection and Aids-related conditions.

1993

European Prix Galien for Neupogen

Neupogen, used as an adjuvant to cancer chemotherapy, is awarded both the Belgian (in 1992) and the French (in 1992) Prix Galien one year after winning the prize in the United Kingdom.

1993

Product introduction: first Amplicor HIV test

The diagnostics division launches the first PCR-based diagnostic tests under the Amplicor trademark.

1993

Product introduction: Pulmozyme, genetically engineered drug for cystic fibrosis

Pulmozyme, a genetically engineered drug developed by Genentech, is launched for cystic fibrosis, a fatal inherited disease that damages the lungs and airways.

1994

Acquisition of Syntex Corporation USA, pharmaceuticals manufacturer; becomes Roche Bioscience in 1995

Roche significantly strengthens its position in the international and US pharmaceutical markets by acquiring Syntex Corporation, a pharmaceuticals group headquartered in Palo Alto (USA). The take-over continues Roche's strategy of concentrating on its core business. In 1995, Syntex becomes Roche Bioscience, one of the Group's major research and development sites.

1995

Strengthened collaboration with Genentech

Agreement between Roche and Genentech to extend Roche's option to purchase the outstanding redeemable common stock of Genentech.

1995

Product introductions: Cobas Integra, clinical chemistry and immunochemistry analyser; Cobas Core II, immunochemistry analyser; Cobas Amplicor, PCR analyser

The diagnostics division launches are series of new products in all areas of medical testing: Cobas Integra, a clinical chemistry and immunochemistry analyser; Cobas Core II, a immunochemistry analyser; Cobas Amplicor, an analyser based on PCR technology.

1995 - 98

Product introduction: CellCept, transplant rejection drug; Vesanoid, leukaemia; Mabthera / Rituxan, cancer; Posicor, angina; Tasmar, Parkinson's disease; Zenapax, transplantation; Fortovase, HIV infection; Viracept, HIV infection; Xeloda, breast cancer; Xenical, obesity

A series of product launches accompany Roche from the mid-90s onwards:
CellCept, transplant rejection drug; Vesanoid, leukaemia; Mabthera / Rituxan, cancer; Posicor, angina; Tasmar, Parkinson's disease; Zenapax, transplantation; Fortovase, HIV infection; Viracept, HIV infection; Xeloda, breast cancer; Xenical, antiobesity

1996

Prix Galien for Pulmozyme (Portugal)

Pulmozyme, a genetically engineered drug for cystic fibrosis, receives the Portugal Prix Galien.

1996

Product introduction: Invirase, Roche's first protease inhibitor HIV-antiviral drug (launched 1995 in USA)

The Aids medication Invirase, the first world-wide protease inhibitor, developed at Roche, is launched. First introduction of the drug which opens up the way for a new class of drugs, is in the US in 1995.

1997

Acquisition of Tastemaker (USA)

Tastemaker, a large flavours manufacturer in the US, is acquired to strengthen the flavours arm of Givaudan-Roure. Roche is now the global leader in the flavours market.

1997

Acquisition of Corange (Boehringer Mannheim and DePuy), completed 1998

Corange, consisting of the diagnostics company Boehringer Mannheim and the orthopaedics company DePuy, is acquired by Roche. With this acquisition, Roche becomes a world leader in the area of diagnostics in terms of a unique range of innovative products, depth and breadth of technologies as well as overall geographical presence.

1997

Prix Galien for Invirase (Portugal, Spain)

Invirase, the first of a new series of drugs that inhibit HIV-protease - an enzyme the virus needs in order to multiply - is awarded the Prix Galien in Portugal and Spain.

1998

Inauguration of the Biotechnology Research and Production Centre in Penzberg (Germany)

As one of Roche's main research and development sites, Penzberg (Germany) increases its capacities by inaugurating the Biotechnology Research and Production Centre facility.

1998

Sale of DePuy

DePuy, one of the world's oldest orthopaedic companies and a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of orthopaedic devices and supplies, is sold to Johnson&Johnson.

1998

Start of Collaboration with deCODE Genetics, Iceland

Roche and deCODE start a collaboration in genetic research. DeCODE will map the unique genetic properties of the population of Iceland to discover genes causing diseases. The findings will help Roche to develop new diagnostics and pharmaceuticals solutions.

1998

Product introduction: diabetes monitoring products

Four innovative diabetes monitoring products - Accutrend Sensor Complete, Accutrend Sensor Comfort strip, Glucotrend Premium, Camit Pro - provide diabetics with more convenience, enhanced diabetes management and virtually pain-free testing.

1999

European Prix Galien for Invirase

Following the Prix Galien in Portugal and Spain, Invirase is also awarded the 1998 European Prix Galien in France.

1999

Prix Galien for Mabthera (France)

Mabthera, a highly innovative monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Non-Hodgkins-lymphoma, is awarded the 1998 French Prix Galien.

1999

Genentech fully acquired, later partly floated in public offering

Roche exercises its option to redeem all Genentech's shares. Later, 42% of Genentech Common Stock is floated in three steps in a public offering on the New York Stock Exchange.

1999

Collaboration agreement: Trimeris, USA

Roche and Trimeris begin a collaboration for the full-scale clinical testing and development of the two novel anti-HIV fusion inhibitor compounds T-20 and T-1249.

1999

Product introduction: Herceptin, breast cancer treatment

Herceptin is a novel treatment for metastatic breast cancer. It is the first oncoreceptor-targeted treatment which increases overall survival of patients.

1999

Price fixing in the Vitamins Division unveiled

Together with a number of other companies, Roche is fined for product price fixing of bulk vitamins. Roche initiates a large programme "Behaviour in Business" for more than 8000 managers world-wide to ensure compliance with all laws. Furthermore, the internal audit is strengthened.

1999

Product introduction: Tamiflu, influenza drug

Tamiflu is the first neuraminidase inhibitor in a pill form, designed to treat all common strains of influenza. It reduces both the duration of illness and the severity of symptoms.

2000

Spin-off of Givaudan (Fragrances and Flavours Division); announced 1999

As a leading supplier of fragrances and flavours, Givaudan is spun-off as a separate company outside the Roche Group and to be publicly listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange as an independent business.

2000

Acquisition of AVL Medical Instruments

AVL Medical, a leader in blood gas and electrolyte analysis, is acquired to strengthen Roche Diagnostics' position in emergency rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms.

2000

Centre for medical genomics formed

After many successful years, the Basel Institute for Immunology changes into a centre for medical genomics, aiming at increasing the institute's efforts in genetics and genomics.

2000

Product acquisition: Kytril, antiemetic drug used in chemotherapy

Kytril provides relief to cancer patients suffering from the severe and debilitating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The drug is acquired from SmithKline Beecham which in return acquires from Roche exclusive rights in the U.S. and Canada for Coreg (carvedilol), a drug for congestive heart failure.

2000

New biotech start-up company formed: Basilea Pharmaceutica

Basilea focuses on the discovery and development of innovative drugs in the areas of infectious diseases and dermatology. By this, Roche's R&D know-how in antibiotics, antifungals and dermatology will be integrated in a broadly-based biotech company. Roche has the right to licence-in all compounds developed by Basilea.

2001

Collaboration agreement: OSI Pharmaceuticals, USA

The agreement focuses on the global co-development and commercialisation of OSI's lead anti-cancer drug, OSI-774 outside of the USA. Genentech has entered into a similar agreement with OSI for the United States. OSI-774 (brand name Tarceva) is an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is currently in Phase II clinical studies for non-small cell lung, head & neck and ovarian cancer.

2001

Product introduction: Xeloda, colorectal cancer drug

Xeloda is the first oral chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

2001

Product introduction: Valcyte, treatment for AIDS-related CMV retinitis

Valcyte is the oral pro-drug of Roche's existing anti-CMV treatment, Cytovene (outside the US: Cymevene) which is currently the most widely prescribed anti-CMV medication world-wide.