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{\pard\sa900\fs50\f0\i Media Release\par}
{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 24 January 2007\line \line {\b First 
Actemra multinational phase III trial demonstrates significant improvement in signs and symptoms of 
rheumatoid arthritis} \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Study meets primary endpoint in 
rheumatoid arthritis patients 
who had an inadequate response to methotrexate\line \line Roche announced today 
that \u8216?OPTION\u8217?{\super 1} , the first multinational phase III study of Actemra (tocilizumab) 
outside of Japan, successfully met its primary endpoint in the group of patients with moderate to severe 
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had an inadequate response to methotrexate. The study showed that a greater 
proportion of RA patients treated with Actemra achieved a significant improvement in disease signs and 
symptoms (ACR scores{\super 2} ) at week 24, compared to methotrexate control. Moreover, 
the preliminary analysis did not reveal any clinically important safety concerns with Actemra compared 
to control.\line \line "We are pleased that this study confirms the favourable 
efficacy 
and safety profile of Actemra in the treatment of RA. Actemra, through its unique blockade of the interleukin-6 
receptor, will provide a new treatment option for people afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis," commented 
William M. Burns, CEO Division Roche Pharmaceuticals.\line \line Data from this 
trial will be submitted for presentation at upcoming international scientific meetings. In addition, 
four other phase III trials exploring Actemra in RA are ongoing with three of them scheduled to report 
in 2007.\line \line {\b About the OPTION study} \line The 
OPTION (TOcilizumab Pivotal Trial in Methotrexate Inadequate respONders) study was an international 
study which took place in 17 countries with 73 centres entering 623 patients with moderate to severe 
RA. In this 3 arm, randomized, double-blind study, patients received Actemra intravenously (either 4mg/kg 
or 8mg/kg) every 4 weeks plus methotrexate weekly or placebo infusions plus methotrexate weekly.\line \line The 
study found that patients treated with Actemra had a significant reduction in the signs and symptoms 
of rheumatoid arthritis over 6 months of treatment. Moreover, the preliminary analysis did not reveal 
any clinically important safety concerns with Actemra compared to control. The study also explored pharmacokinetics 
and mechanisms of the effect of IL-6 receptor blockade on the immune response in RA patients.\line \line {\b About 
Actemra} \line Actemra (tocilizumab) is a new humanised interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor 
monoclonal antibody with a novel mechanism of action providing a unique treatment option for RA, a disease 
with a high unmet medical need. Roche and Chugai have initiated a collaborative phase III clinical development 
programme in RA running outside Japan, with more than 4000 patients enrolled in 41 countries including 
several European countries and the USA. In Japan, Actemra was launched in June 2005 as a therapy for 
Castleman's disease and in April 2006 filed for the additional indications of rheumatoid arthritis and 
systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis.\line \line {\b About rheumatoid 
arthritis } \line Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, systemic autoimmune disease characterized 
by chronic inflammation of multiple joints and fatigue as well as the possibility of osteoporosis, anaemia, 
and lung, skin and liver effects. This inflammation causes pain, stiffness and swelling, resulting in 
loss of joint function due to destruction of the bone and cartilage, often leading to progressive disability. 
Further, as chronic inflammation continues, there may be shortening of life expectancy as a result of 
effects on major organ systems. After 10 years, less than 50% of patients can continue to work or function 
normally on a day to day basis. RA affects more than 21 million people worldwide. \line \line {\b About 
Roche in rheumatoid arthritis} \line One of the most important drivers for growth at Roche 
over the next few years is expected to be the company\u8217?s emerging franchise in autoimmune diseases with 
rheumatoid arthritis as the first indication. Following the launch of MabThera (rituximab) there are 
a number of projects in development, potentially allowing Roche to build on further opportunities. MabThera 
is the first and only selective B-cell therapy for RA, providing a fundamentally different treatment 
approach by targeting B cells, one of the key players in the pathogenesis of RA. Actemra (tocilizumab) 
is another \u8216?first-in-class\u8217? medicine and is a humanised monoclonal antibody to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) 
receptor, blocking the activity of IL-6 , a protein that plays a major role in the RA inflammation process. 
Actemra is the result of research collaboration by Chugai and is being co-developed globally with Chugai. 
Additional projects creating a rich pipeline include compounds in Phase I, II and III clinical trials. 
Notably, ocrelizumab, a fully humanised anti-CD20 antibody, is just entering phase III development.\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 70,000 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 (www.roche.com (http://www.roche.com)).\line \line {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 All 
trademarks used or mentioned in this release are legally protected.\par}\line \line \line {\b Further 
information} \line - Roche & Autoimmune diseases\line \line \line {\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 References:\line 1) 
OPTION refers to the TOcilizumab Pivotal Trial in Methotrexate Inadequate respONders\line 2) 
The ACR response is a standard assessment used to measure patients\u8217? responses to anti-rheumatic therapies, 
devised by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). It requires a patient to have a defined percentage 
reduction in a number of symptoms and measures of their disease. For example, a 20 or 50% level of reduction 
(the percentage of reduction of RA symptoms) is represented as ACR20, ACR50 or ACR70. An ACR70 response 
is exceptional for existing treatments and represents a significant improvement in a patient\u8217?s condition.\par}\line \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}
}