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{\pard\sa900\fs50\f0\i Media Release\par}
{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 2 April 2007\line \line {\b Roche 
acquires THP to expand its therapeutic antibody research } \line \line Roche 
today announced that it has acquired Therapeutic Human Polyclonals, Inc. (THP) a privately-owned biotechnology 
company based in California and Germany. With its focus on innovative antibody research, THP will be 
a valuable addition to Roche\u8217?s research organization.\line \line "We are delighted 
about this acquisition as it builds on our strength in therapeutic antibodies," said Jonathan Knowles, 
Head of Global Research. "THP and its employees will add cutting-edge capabilities and represent 
an excellent strategic fit with our own R&D organization. We look forward to welcoming the new members 
to Roche."\line \line Roche paid 56.5 million US dollars in cash to acquire 
100% ownership of THP and plans to fully integrate THP into the Roche Pharma Center of Excellence for 
Protein Research in Penzberg, Germany.\line \line Modern medical biotechnology uses 
a wide range of methods to diagnose and treat diseases - from the production of natural products and 
gene therapy to therapeutic proteins and antibodies. As a company heavily invested in biotechnology 
and focused on providing added value to patients and healthcare providers, the development of therapeutic 
proteins and antibodies remains a major emphasis at Roche.\line \line {\b About 
THP } \line THP is an emerging biotechnology company focused on research in the field 
of human antibody technologies. THP has developed a unique transgenic mammalian platform to create human 
antibodies. The technology will enable the generation of both monoclonal and polyclonal antibody therapeutics 
with enhanced efficacy.\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 the world\u8217?s biggest biotech company and an innovator of 
products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the 
Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people\u8217?s health and quality of life. Roche 
is the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics and drugs for cancer and transplantation, a market leader 
in virology and active in other major therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolism 
and central nervous system. In 2006 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totalled 33.3 billion Swiss 
francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 8.7 billion Swiss francs. Roche employs roughly 
75,000 worldwide 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 All 
trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.\par}\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}
}