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{\pard\sa900\fs50\f0\i Media Release\par}
{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 20 July 2005\line \line {\b Roche 
posts very strong interim results} \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Download 
PDF: \u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?English (http://www.roche.com/mrhy05e.pdf) \u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?German (http://www.roche.com/mrhy05d.pdf) 
\u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?French (http://www.roche.com/mrhy05f.pdf) \u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?\u160?Spanish (http://www.roche.com/mrhy05sp.pdf)\line \line Half-Year 
Report 2005\line \line Presentation (http://www.roche.com/irp200705uk.pdf)\line \line \line {\b Roche 
Group} \line \u8226? Group sales up 17%. Pharmaceutical sales grow three times faster than the 
global market\line \u8226? Operating profit rises 30%, outpacing sales growth\line \u8226? Positive 
net financial income\line \u8226? Net income reaches 3.2 billion Swiss francs, surpassing last year\u8217?s 
interim result, which included substantial exceptional gains\line \line {\b Pharmaceuticals 
Division} \line \u8226? Strong sales growth for oncology products and the anti-influenza drug 
Tamiflu results in significant additional market share gains\line \u8226? Avastin, Tarceva and Boniva 
successfully launched\line \u8226? Positive results from phase III clinical trials in rheumatoid 
arthritis and breast, lung and pancreatic cancers\line \line {\b Diagnostics 
Division} \line \u8226? Roche Diagnostics moves into the lead in Japan \u8212? now the number-one 
supplier of in-vitro diagnostics in all major market regions\line \u8226? Operating profit margin 
(before exceptional items) remains significantly above the industry average\line \u8226? Launch 
of next-generation Accu-Chek products off to a strong start\line \u8226? US marketing clearance 
of first DNA chip-based test opens the way to more personalised treatment\line \line {\b Outlook} \line \u8226? 
Positive outlook for full-year 2005. Forecast for operating profit margin in the Pharmaceuticals Division 
(before exceptional items) raised again\line \line {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 All growth rates 
are based on local currencies.\par}\line \line \line Commenting 
on the interim figures, Roche 
Chairman and CEO Franz B. Humer said, \u8216?Roche performed extremely well in the first half of 2005. We 
increased our net income, strengthened our market position and made progress on major development projects. 
Our strong sales growth resulted in additional market share gains, and we saw a further significant 
improvement in the Group\u8217?s earnings performance. Most important of all, though, are the very positive 
data coming out of so many of the Group\u8217?s clinical trials. They signal new hope for many patients, particularly 
patients with cancer. The Diagnostics Division posted further sales growth amid difficult market conditions 
and is now the number-one supplier of in-vitro diagnostics in the world\u8217?s five biggest markets. We therefore 
remain confident about the outlook for full-year 2005, despite the loss of our Rocephin patent in the 
United States, and we are raising our guidance again for the Pharmaceuticals Division.\u8217?\line \line \line {\b Key 
figures in millions 
of CHF} \line 
		First halfFirst half% Change% Change
	
		20062005In CHFIn local cur.
	
		Sales16,62214,526+14+17
	
		EBITDAa)5,5104,755+16+19
	
		Operating profit before exceptional items4,3733,607+21+24
	
		Operating profit4,2273,325+27+30
	
		Profit from continuing businesses before exceptional itemsb)3,3322,604+28
	
		Net income3,2423,121+4
	
		Core earnings per share and non-voting equity securityb) (in CHF)3.693.06+21
	\line {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 a) 
EBITDA: Earnings before exceptional items and before interest and other financing costs, financial income, 
tax, depreciation and amortisation, including impairment. This corresponds to operating profit before 
exceptional items and before depreciation and amortisation, including impairment.\line b) 
Profit from continuing businesses before exceptional items and core earnings per share and non-voting 
equity security (diluted) are calculated as shown on p. 46 of Roche\u8217?s 2005 Half-Year Report.\par}\line \line \line \line {\b Roche 
Group} \line \line {\b Significant sales growth} \line The 
Roche Group posted very strong operating results for the first half of 2005, led by its dynamic Pharmaceuticals 
Division. Group sales increased significantly, advancing 17% in local currencies to 16.6 billion Swiss 
francs. Expressed in Swiss francs and US dollars, sales for the period were up 14% and 20%, respectively. 
The Pharmaceuticals Division was the key growth driver. Its sales increased three times faster than 
the global market average and significantly ahead of the growth rates in the United States, Europe and 
Japan, the division\u8217?s three most important markets. In the Diagnostics Division sales in local currencies 
increased 4%, in line with global market growth.\line \line {\b Operating 
profit up substantially} \line The strong increase in interim sales had a very positive 
impact on the Group\u8217?s earnings performance. Operating profit before exceptional items rose 24% in local 
currencies to 4.4 billion Swiss francs, and the corresponding operating profit margin improved substantially, 
rising 1.5 percentage points to 26.3%. The excellent sales growth more than offset significantly increased 
investments in Roche\u8217?s strong development pipeline and in launch and pre-launch activities. For the 
first time, the operating results for 2005 and for the comparable restated period in 2004 include the 
costs of the Group\u8217?s equity compensation plans for employees, which are recorded as an operating expense. 
The Group\u8217?s improved earnings performance reflects the significantly higher operating profit margin 
in the Pharmaceuticals Division. The Diagnostics Division\u8217?s operating profit margin was down slightly 
from a year ago as a result of expenses related to product launches.\line \line {\b Strong 
cash flow from operations} \line Cash generation from the Group\u8217?s business operations 
remained strong at 6.1 billion Swiss francs, driven by an increase in EBITDA. EBITDA for the first six 
months rose 19% in local currencies to 5.5 billion Swiss francs, reflecting the success of Roche\u8217?s operating 
activities.\line \line {\b Positive net financial income} \line As 
anticipated, net financial income showed a significant improvement over last year, thanks to the Group\u8217?s 
strong positive cash flow and the restructuring of Group debt. Roche posted a positive financial income 
for the first half of 2005, with net income from financial assets and foreign exchange management exceeding 
financing costs.\line \line {\b Net income increased} \line Net 
income for the first six months rose 4% in Swiss francs to 3.2 billion francs. This more than compensated 
for the exceptional after-tax gain of 687 million Swiss francs realised in the first half of 2004, primarily 
on the \u8216?LYONs IV\u8217? transaction. Excluding exceptional items, profit from continuing businesses increased 
28%. The Group\u8217?s return on sales margin was 19.5%.\line There was a further significant improvement 
in the Group\u8217?s financial position. The ratio of equity (including minority interests) to total assets 
is now 62%, and over 85% of total assets are financed long-term.\line \line {\b Outlook 
raised again for Pharmaceuticals and reaffirmed for Diagnostics} \line Roche is strengthening 
the outlook for the full year announced on 19 April 2005 and now expects the operating profit margin 
(before exceptional items) in the Pharmaceuticals Division to be better again than previously announced. 
The Pharmaceuticals Division continues to expect sales in local currencies to grow above the global 
market average at a double-digit rate. The Diagnostics Division expects sales for 2005 to show another 
above-market increase, with growth in the single-digit range. The Pharmaceuticals Division now expects 
its full-year operating profit margin (before exceptional items) to be better than the full-year margin 
for 2004. The Diagnostics Division anticipates the margin development to continue towards its goal of 
achieving an operating profit margin of around 23% (before exceptional items) in 2006.\line \line \line {\b Pharmaceuticals 
Division} \line \line {\b Pharmaceutical sales grow three times faster 
than the global market} \line \line 
		Key figuresIn millions of CHF% Change in CHF% Change in local currenciesAs % of sales
	
		Sales - Roche worldwide prescription group12,652+19+22100
	
		EBITDA4,335+21+2434.3
	
		Operating profit before exceptional items3,608+28+3228.5
	\line The 
Pharmaceuticals Division posted very strong growth in the first half of 2005, with sales up 22% in local 
currencies{\super {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 1\par}}  (19% in Swiss francs; 25% 
in US dollars). This was three times the global market growth rate of 7% and resulted in significant 
market share gains for Roche. Growth was driven primarily by strong demand for the division\u8217?s oncology 
products, including the new cancer treatments Avastin and Tarceva, and for the anti-influenza drug Tamiflu.\line Sales 
gains significantly outpaced market growth in each of the three key regions, North America, Europe and 
Japan. Divisional operating profit before exceptional items grew 32% in local currencies to 3.6 billion 
Swiss francs, and the operating profit margin before exceptional items improved significantly, by 2.1 
percentage points to 28.5%.\line \line {\b Oncology \u8212? strong growth from 
key brands and stunning clinical data} \line The division\u8217?s oncology portfolio delivered 
outstanding first-half growth of 36%. All major brands contributed to this strong performance, which 
further consolidates Roche\u8217?s position as the world\u8217?s leading provider of cancer medications.\line \line Over 
the last four quarters, cumulative worldwide sales of Avastin, for the treatment of colorectal cancer, 
exceeded one billion Swiss francs. In January the European Commission approved Avastin for the first-line 
treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer, and the launch roll-out has commenced. Recent 
phase III results have demonstrated significant clinical benefit in advanced non-small cell lung cancer 
and metastatic breast cancer, in addition to advanced colorectal cancer.\line \line Tarceva, 
a novel targeted drug with proven survival benefit in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, was launched 
in the United States last November. Sales in the six months to 30 June exceeded expectations, reaching 
145 million Swiss francs. Tarceva was approved in Switzerland in March and in June received a positive 
opinion from the EU\u8217?s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for the treatment of non-small 
cell lung cancer. Based on new data showing significant benefits with the drug in pancreatic cancer, 
an application for this indication has been submitted in the US, with a filing in the EU planned later 
this year. \line \line Sales of MabThera/Rituxan, for non-Hodgkin\u8217?s lymphoma (NHL), 
remained strong. Particularly good uptake was achieved outside the United States for the first-line 
treatment of indolent NHL and for aggressive NHL. Roche plans to file a marketing application with the 
EU authorities in the fourth quarter of 2005 for an additional indication, maintenance treatment of 
indolent NHL, based on data showing that MabThera/Rituxan can dramatically improve progression-free 
survival in patients with this form of the disease.\line \line Herceptin, the only 
targeted treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, posted significant sales growth in the first half 
of 2005. Demand for the product, which is currently approved for first-line therapy of advanced (metastatic) 
disease, remained strong in all key markets. Following dramatic results in three landmark clinical trials 
of the product as adjuvant treatment in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, Roche and Genentech 
are working to prepare marketing applications for this indication.\line \line Sales 
of Xeloda continued their strong upward trend in the first half of 2005, with growth driven by a steady 
increase in prescriptions and stabilisation of wholesaler inventories in the United States. In March 
and June, respectively, the EU authorities and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved \line Xeloda 
for the adjuvant (after surgery) treatment of colon cancer. The new indication is expected to further 
accelerate prescription growth.\line \line {\b Anemia \u8212? strong market 
position maintained} \line Despite sustained price pressure in the anemia market as a 
whole, sales of NeoRecormon/Epogin for renal and cancer-related anemia grew steadily. The new prefilled 
syringe for once-weekly administration is now the top-selling dosage form of NeoRecormon for certain 
cancer-related anemias. Roche expects NeoRecormon sales in cancer-related anemia to continue to grow 
following a recommendation by the CHMP to update the product label. As a result, NeoRecormon will be 
indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with all solid and lymphoid cancers receiving any 
form of chemotherapy.\line \line {\b Transplantation \u8212? continuing strong 
demand for CellCept} \line The Roche Group maintained its global market leadership in 
the transplantation market, with the immunosuppressant CellCept posting double-digit gains globally 
and in all key regions.\line \line {\b Virology \u8212? strong increase in Tamiflu 
sales } \line Pegasys, the only pegylated interferon approved for the treatment of hepatitis 
B and hepatitis C, maintained its market leadership and posted solid growth in the first half of 2005, 
helped by further regulatory approvals. Pegasys plus Copegus has now been approved by both the FDA and 
the European Commission for the treatment of hepatitis C in patients co-infected with HIV. Pegasys has 
also been approved for the treatment of hepatitis B in over 40 countries, including the United States, 
the EU and China.\line \line First-half sales of Tamiflu grew very strongly, driven 
by a late but severe flu season and orders of pandemic readiness supplies. Worldwide sales of the drug 
increased more than fourfold, with sales in Japan alone tripling to 263 million Swiss francs. Following 
warnings by experts about the likelihood of an influenza pandemic, Roche has worked closely with a number 
of countries whose governments have agreed to stockpile Tamiflu and is in negotiation with several others. 
Regulatory filings have been submitted in Europe and the US for use of the product to prevent flu in 
children aged 1\u8211?12 years.\line \line Fuzeon sales continued to increase steadily 
in the six months to 30 June, reaching 116 million Swiss francs. Growth was strongest in key European 
markets. Roche continues to roll out educational initiatives for patients and physicians to accelerate 
uptake of the product.\line \line {\b Other major products \u8212? Boniva launched 
in the US} \line Boniva, the first once-monthly oral bisphosphonate for the treatment 
and prevention of osteoporosis, was approved by the US regulatory authorities in March and launched 
in April by Roche and its comarketing partner GlaxoSmithKline. Initial market response has been in line 
with expectations. In June the CHMP recommended EU approval of once-monthly oral Bonviva (the product\u8217?s 
trademark outside the US).\line \line Global sales of Xenical returned to growth 
in a flat market. In June the EU authorities approved the use of Xenical in obese adolescents aged twelve 
years and over. Xenical is now the only weight-loss treatment in the United States and the EU with labelling 
that provides guidance on use in adolescents.\line {\b \line Major development 
activities \u8212? positive phase III results in rheumatoid arthritis} \line The clinical development 
of CERA, the first continuous erythropoietin receptor activator for the treatment of anemia in chronic 
kidney disease and in cancer patients continues to progress. Roche expects to file applications for 
approval of CERA in renal anemia in 2006. \line \line Development of MabThera/Rituxan 
for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is progressing according to plan. Positive results were 
achieved in a pivotal phase III trial in patients with an inadequate response to therapy with current 
biologics and in a phase IIb study in patients who had previously failed treatment with one or more 
disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Global regulatory filings are scheduled for the second half of 
this year for the use of MabThera in RA patients with an inadequate response to current biologics.\line \line Development 
of tocilizumab (previously known as MRA, from Roche\u8217?s Japanese affiliate Chugai) is on track worldwide. 
International phase III studies in rheumatoid arthritis are well under way.\line \line The 
division currently has 27 projects spanning a number of major new indications in late-stage clinical 
development and is planning to file nine new marketing applications over the next 18 months. In addition, 
twelve marketing applications were approved by US or EU regulators during the first half of this year.\line \line \line \line {\b Diagnostics 
Division\line } \line {\b Now number one in all 
market regions} \line \line 
		Key figuresIn millions of CHF% Change in CHF% Change in local currenciesAs % of sales
	
		Sales3,970+2+4100
	
		- Diabetes Care1,375+2+335
	
		- Near Patient Testing338+1+38
	
		- Centralized Diagnostics1,430+4+536
	
		- Molecular Diagnostics555+3+614
	
		- Applied Science272-1+17
	
		EBITDA1,3110+133.0
	
		Operating profit before exceptional items904-3-322.8
	\line Roche Diagnostics\u8217? 
sales rose 4% in local currencies (2% in Swiss francs; 8% in US dollars) during the first half of 2005. 
The molecular diagnostics, diabetes care and immunodiagnostics portfolios continued to be the main growth 
drivers. Divisional operating profit (before exceptional items) was a strong 904 million Swiss francs, 
despite substantial investments for product launches planned for the second half of the year in Europe 
and the United States. At 22.8%, the division\u8217?s operating profit margin remained significantly above 
the industry average. Owing to increased marketing costs for the launch of new products, the operating 
profit margin was down slightly from the previous year.{\super {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 2\par}}  
Sales of these products will contribute to accelerated sales growth in the second half of the year.\line Roche 
Diagnostics moved into the number-one position in Japan, the world\u8217?s second largest market for in-vitro 
diagnostic products, making it the industry leader now in all five of its market regions.\line \line {\b Diabetes 
Care \u8212? new generation of Accu-Chek products launched} \line In the first half of 2005 
Diabetes Care began rolling out its new generation of state-of-the-art Accu-Chek products for improved 
diabetes management. The Accu-Chek Aviva blood glucose monitoring system and Accu-Chek Spirit insulin 
pump were successfully launched in their first European markets. Both devices have received 510K clearance 
from the FDA in the United States.\line The FDA has officially informed Roche Diagnostics 
that it is in agreement with the action initiated by the division to address deficiencies in the manufacturing 
processes and documentation at the Burgdorf site in Switzerland. At the same time the FDA announced 
that it would be conducting its re-audit of the site at the end of July 2005.\line \line {\b Near 
Patient Testing \u8212? the market leader in rapid point-of-care diagnostics} \line Roche Near 
Patient Testing maintained its leadership in the fiercely competitive point-of-care market. The CoaguChek 
S system (coagulation monitoring), Accutrend GC and GCT systems (cholesterol monitoring) and Cardiac 
Reader (evaluation of suspected myocardial damage) made the biggest contribution to sales. Sales of 
Omni S and Omni C blood gas analysers and reagents grew significantly faster than the market.\line Recent 
clinical trial data show that self-management of anticoagulant therapy with the CoaguChek S system reduces 
the frequency of bleeding complications by up to 70% and mortality after heart valve replacement by 
up to 60%. In addition to protecting patients from potentially life-threatening risks, CoaguChek S can 
also help healthcare systems reduce unnecessary treatment costs.\line \line {\b Centralized 
Diagnostics \u8212? immunodiagnostics drive growth} \line Growth in this business area was fuelled 
primarily by the continued upward trend in immunodiagnostics sales. Placements of Elecsys instruments 
rose approximately 20% for the period.\line Additional data have confirmed the importance 
of Elecsys proBNP as a prognostic test for cardiovascular disease. A major study has now demonstrated 
that NT-proBNP is the most reliable marker for diagnosing heart failure in emergency patients. Another 
study has shown the clinical value of this innovative cardiac marker for stratifying risk in patients 
with stable coronary artery disease.\line \line {\b Molecular Diagnostics 
\u8212? world\u8217?s first DNA chip-based test brought to market} \line Roche Molecular Diagnostics 
continued to expand its market lead, helped by robust sales of blood screening and women\u8217?s health products, 
which remain the business area\u8217?s key growth drivers.\line Early this year the FDA cleared 
the AmpliChip CYP450 Test for clinical use. This DNA chip-based test can contribute to better, more 
personalised care by helping physicians predict how patients will respond to certain medicines.\line The 
FDA approved the AmpliScreen HBV Test as a screening test to detect hepatitis B virus in donated whole 
blood, blood components, source plasma and other tissues from living donors. The agency also approved 
expanded use of the Cobas AmpliScreen HCV (hepatitis C virus) and HIV-1 Tests to screen organ and tissue 
donations. These approvals will help significantly increase the safety of tissue and organ transplants.\line In 
May Roche Diagnostics and Applera reached a settlement on outstanding litigation and arbitration relating 
to the interpretation and performance of contracts between Roche and Applera for the commercialisation 
of PCR and real-time PCR technology.\line Roche Diagnostics\u8217? LinearArray HPV Genotyping Test, 
which received CE mark approval in June, is the first commercially available test capable of detecting 
37 genetic variants of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is recognised as the leading cause 
of cervical cancer.\line In addition, the Linear Array HCV Genotyping Test, for determining 
the genotype of hepatitis C viruses, was launched in Europe in June.\line \line {\b Applied 
Science \u8212? significant sales growth expected} \line Roche Applied Science maintained its 
market position. A new addition to the business area\u8217?s portfolio, the LightCycler 480 system for high-throughput 
DNA amplification, is expected to contribute to a significant increase in sales growth in the second 
half of this year.\line An agreement signed with 454 Life Sciences (USA) in May of this year 
marks Roche Diagnostics\u8217? entry into the high-potential market for DNA sequencing products.\line \line {\b About 
Roche} \line Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world\u8217?s leading 
research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a supplier of 
innovative products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, 
the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people\u8217?s health and quality of life. Roche 
is a world leader in diagnostics, the leading supplier of medicines for cancer and transplantation and 
a market leader in virology. Roche employs roughly 65,000 people in 150 countries and has R&D agreements 
and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech 
and Chugai. Additional information about the Roche Group is available on the Internet at www.roche.com (http://www.roche.com).\line \line {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 1 
\u160?For additional information on cost of sales, see p. 17 of Roche\u8217?s 2005 Half-Year Report.\line 2 
\u160?For additional information on the Diagnostics Division\u8217?s interim results, see p. 19 of Roche\u8217?s 
2005 Half-Year Report.\line \line All 
trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.\par}\line \line Annex (http://www.roche.com/mrhy05ane.pdf)\line \line \line {\b Additional 
information} \line - Nine-months sales release 2005: 19 October (tentative)\line \line \line {\i Disclaimer\line This 
release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified 
by words such as \u8220?believes\u8221?, \u8220?expects\u8221?, \u8220?anticipates\u8221?, \u8220?projects\u8221?, \u8220?intends\u8221?, \u8220?should\u8221?, \u8220?seeks\u8221?, \u8220?estimates\u8221?, 
\u8220?future\u8221? or similar expressions or by discussion of strategy, goals, plans or intentions. Various factors 
may cause actual results to differ materially in the future from those reflected in forward-looking 
statements contained in this presentation among others: (1) pricing and product initiatives of competitors; 
(2) legislative and regulatory developments and economic conditions; (3) delay or inability in obtaining 
regulatory approvals or bringing products to market; (4) fluctuations in currency exchange rates and 
general financial market conditions; (5) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of 
new products or new uses of existing products; (6) increased government pricing pressures; (7) interruptions 
in production; (8) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights; 
(9) litigation; (10) loss of key executives or other employees; and (11) adverse publicity or news coverage.} \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}
}