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{\pard\sa900\fs50\f0\i Media Release\par}
{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 11 April 2003 \line \line {\b Roche receives 
FDA clearance for Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test} \line PCR-based test enhances ability 
to measure viral loads of HIV Patients\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Roche today announced that it has received 
clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test 
(version 1.5) an enhanced version of Roche\u8217?s polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay used to measure the 
amount of HIV-1 RNA (viral load) present in an infected person\u8217?s blood.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 The 
Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test (version 1.5) is an automated assay that amplifies and detects genetic 
material, allowing for accurate quantification of even small amounts of viral RNA in the blood. This 
new test can measure viral loads as low as 50 copies of HIV-1 RNA per millilitre (c/mL) of plasma. This 
level of sensitivity is critical for optimising treatment strategies, because maintaining an infected 
patient\u8217?s viral load below 50 c/mL (undetectable) has been associated with a more complete and durable 
viral suppression. This assay is the automated version of the Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test (version 1.5) 
that received FDA approval last year.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 The Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test 
(version 1.5) also has the enhanced ability to quantify HIV-1 Group M subtypes A\u8211?G. While HIV-1 subtype 
B continues to predominate in Western Countries, studies now confirm that the incidence of HIV-1 non-B 
subtypes is increasing all over the world. A test\u8217?s ability to detect a broader range of these genetically 
diverse viruses will, therefore, be crucial to HIV patient care on a global basis.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 "We 
are very pleased to receive FDA clearance for this newest generation of PCR HIV-1 viral load testing,\u8221? 
said Heino von Prondzynski, Head of Roche Diagnostics and member of Roche\u8217?s Corporate Executive Committee. 
"The Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test (version 1.5) will allow laboratories to deliver quality 
HIV viral load results in a shorter time, thanks to cutting edge automation.\u8221?\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 According 
to the World Health Organization, more than 42 million people worldwide were living with HIV at the 
end of 2002, an infection rate that is expected to increase. The demand for antiretroviral therapy and 
consequently, viral load testing, is expected to rise accordingly. Roche Diagnostics provides both manual 
and automated HIV-1 RNA reagent kits and testing systems to laboratories throughout the world.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b Roche 
in HIV} \line Roche is at the forefront of efforts to combat HIV infection and AIDS, committed 
since 1986 to groundbreaking research and development of innovative new drugs and diagnostic technology. 
Saquinavir was the first Protease Inhibitor (PI) and was first introduced by Roche in 1995 in the US. 
Fuzeon is the first fusion inhibitor, representing the first new class of anti-HIV treatments in seven 
years. Unlike all currently approved anti-HIV drugs, Fuzeon blocks the virus from entering the human 
immune cell.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About Roche} \line Headquartered in 
Basel, Switzerland, Roche is an innovation driven global healthcare leader focused on pharmaceuticals 
and diagnostics. Roche is worldwide number one in diagnostics and oncology and has a leading position 
in virology and transplantation. With products and services that address the prevention, diagnosis and 
treatment of diseases, the company contributes broadly to the enhancement of people\u8217?s health and quality 
of life. Roche employs some 62,000 people in more than 150 countries around the world. The company has 
business alliances and R&D relationships with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests 
in Genentech and Chugai, which are both members of the Roche Group. Roche's Diagnostics Division, the 
world leader in {\i in-vitro}  diagnostics with a uniquely broad product portfolio, 
supplies a wide array of innovative testing products and services to researchers, physicians, patients, 
hospitals and laboratories worldwide.\par}
{\pard \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 {\b F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd}\line 4070 Basel\line Switzerland \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Corporate Communications\line Roche Group Media Relations \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Tel. +41 61 688 88 88\line Fax +41 61 688 27 75\line www.roche.com \par}
}