Roche Stories

Pharma Technical Operations delivers for patients during COVID-19

Making biologics is complicated under the best circumstances. But in the midst of a pandemic, Roche & Genentech teams are doing it faster than ever.

World Hepatitis Day: Racing to Find a Cure for HBV

World Hepatitis Day marks an occasion to join together to celebrate progress and catalyse action to prevent, diagnose and treat hepatic diseases.

Serendipity put Larry Tsai in the right place at the right time

About a year ago, Larry Tsai became Global Head of Respiratory and Rheumatology Product Development at Roche. Some six months later, the pandemic arrived.

A clinical study of pandemic proportions

Setting up robust clinical trials can take six months or even a year. A Roche team did it in 15 days during the pandemic.

Clinical trials 101

A Roche biostatistician explains what happens in rigorous clinical trials, and why not all studies provide the same quality of information.

What it takes to be a great scientist

Roche scientist Hasani Ratni shares what he believes that to be an exceptional scientist, you have to break some rules and believe the impossible is possible.

Biomarkers: Changing the way Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed

Biomarkers play a crucial role in medical research; find out what they are and how they're used in Alzheimer's disease.

NMOSD: Where we have come from, and where we have to go

We are committed to taking an innovative approach to research and development to help preserve what makes people who they are.

“We need to future-proof our systems”

Padraic Ward, Head of Pharma International at Roche, talks about his vision for healthcare and the opportunities and challenges for Europe.

‘It doesn’t get any closer to home than this’ Michaela Hart is usually a customer champion. This time she and her daughter were the customers

Nearly three years ago, Michaela Hart’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer. But after yet another hospital visit, something seemed off.

Taking it off the ground

This clinical trial had to start quickly to test if an old Roche drug helped serious COVID-19 patients. A Roche veteran is coordinating these efforts.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)

NMOSD is a rare and lifelong autoimmune disease of the central nervous system

Diagnostics ABC: all you need to know about diagnostics terms

How much do you know about diagnostics terms? Here’s what you need to know to shine in every discussion about testing.

“A broken world needs examples of a better way”

Roche Pharma CEO Bill Anderson on moments of laughter and learnings during lockdown.

Lifesaving blood helps mend a ‘special heart’, supporting little Ketch through heart surgeries.

Read the story of little Ketch, born with five heart defects, and how a generous blood donation from one of his mom’s coworker helped save his life.

The gifts of blood become the gifts of life

Read how blood donations from 32 people saved Emily's life as she nearly bled to death after giving birth.

Blending a new approach to genetic testing for cancer

For better insights into cancer tumour genetic mutations, scientists enlisted the aid of an unusual tool - a kitchen blender.

Helping to rebuild communities

From rebuilding houses to providing mosquito nets, disaster relief is about showing up as a real partner to society when it’s most needed.

Open and proud: Our diverse culture makes us stronger

Celebrating and supporting the Roche LGBTQ community is paramount to our purpose-driven culture and pursuit of an open and equal society

Employees share stories of pride, perseverance and hope

Our Roche LGBTQ community around the world talk about the challenges, the importance of allies and their vision for a positive future.

James Sabry on the future of medicine

Roche’s Global Pharma Partnering leader talks about the nature of different diseases and future therapies

The future hinges on partnerships

Call it what you will – a near-death experience, a revelation, an awakening. But when you talk with Alain Bindels, you’ll find a man changed by COVID-19.

Separating fact from fiction: connecting the MS community

Learn how the MS community can stay connected not only to each other, but also to reliable and helpful resources as we journey through these unprecedented times.

Do not lose the lesson that science and societal action gives us

When we foster a culture of global collaboration, anything is possible, says Roche Pharmaceuticals CEO Bill Anderson.

Building bridges

Learn how we are partnering with healthcare systems around the world to improve cancer care and lay the groundwork for personalised healthcare.

People, people and more people

Basma on life in a 21 million megacity

Zero emissions or bust

Innovation and partnerships power Genentech e-bus programme

Happy bees and seas of flowers

Roche employees turned an industrial plant into a paradise for bees and other animals.

Environmental protection is part of our history

Severin Schwan about our long history in sustainability and the state of the human race.

From local to global, together we are stronger

Roche is partnering with governments, agencies and organisations large and small to overcome a worldwide health crisis in distinctly local ways.

COVID-19: How antibody tests help to detect those already infected with SARS-CoV-2

SARS CoV-2 infections often go without symptoms. Antibody tests can identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Learn how this works.

Turning the tide of COVID-19

Widespread, reliable testing can help the world chart a course back to normal life.

COVID-19 and the mysterious world of antibodies

Timothy Tellinghuisen, Head of Virology Discovery, explains why understanding antibodies could hold the key in tackling COVID-19 and other pandemics.

COVID-19: How molecular testing detects SARS-CoV-2

Testing is the best way to be sure that someone is positive for the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Learn how testing using PCR works.

The double risk of vulnerable populations and COVID-19

The elderly and those with mental diseases are the largely silent and sometimes overlooked victims of the pandemic.

Do you know the difference between the flu and a cold?

Influenza or ‘flu” is a viral infection that causes characteristic symptoms, which can help you identify it early and seek medical advice.

A global health crisis inspires unique partnerships

In the race to detect and treat COVID-19, biotech, government and academia are joining forces to battle a disease that knows no borders.

Roche COVID-19 response

We are working together with partners in the industry, our customers, NGOs, governments and regulatory bodies to ensure we do all we can to help contain the novel coronavirus.

Are men more affected by the novel coronavirus than women?

Roche neuroscientist Antonella Santuccione Chadha explores how sex and gender differences in the disease can help propel precision medicine forward.

Everyday heroes working around the clock

Tirelessly, Roche sites around the world continue to make medicines and tests people need and rely on today, and seek solutions for a better tomorrow.

Stories of solidarity

No act is too small in the fight against COVID-19. Across our organisation, resourceful employees are using any available tools to support the effort.

Working with urgency, passion and purpose

Amidst the unprecedented global pandemic COVID-19, we bravely continue to work to ensure that patients receive our medicines and solutions as fast as possible.

Researching the coronavirus in the search for solutions

Head of Infectious Diseases at Roche Pharma Early Research & Development, John Young shares his insights on the biology of covid-19 and outlook on future cures.

No rest in the hunt for novel antibiotics

Multi-drug resistance is on the rise. But tackling the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance requires joint efforts and unique innovation.

Roche colleagues adapt to the new normal: working from home

As much of the Roche workforce navigates the challenges of suddenly working from home during COVID-19, they share their insights on keeping connected.

Amidst the unknowns, some tips to stay safe against COVID-19

Infectious disease expert Klaus Kuhlbusch shares his experience working with the flu and how it differs from coronavirus.

COVID-19: Containing and conquering a global health threat

Broad access to reliable coronavirus testing is essential to an outbreak containment strategy.

An iceberg of lost memories

Geoffrey Kerchner explains why Alzheimer’s is like an iceberg; most disease activity happens slowly below the surface, before you see the first symptoms.

Responding to natural disasters sustainably

For communities that have experienced a major natural disaster, we support community rebuilding and humanitarian projects.

Advancing personalised healthcare requires an ability to adapt

Tongtong Wang’s team develops ways to create and deliver tomorrow’s treatments.

The gendered dynamics of the brain and Alzheimer’s disease

Antonella Santucchione Chadha examines the relationship between sex, gender and brain disorders, and what this means for clinical development.

Roche Voices

In our Roche blog, find unfiltered opinions and personal stories from our employees on science, healthcare and life.

Trailblazing women at Roche

Discover how Roche has been advancing gender equality since 1896: There have always been women who inspired us by questioning the status quo.

Making life easier for people with diabetes

Roche’s open ecosystem helps people with diabetes to manage their disease more efficiently, while enabling doctors to individualise their therapy.

A rare diagnosis

Chelsey spent ten years incorrectly diagnosed with MS before she was eventually diagnosed with a rare disease, NMOSD. She shares her story here.

Transnet-Phelophepa healthcare train

The Transnet-Phelophepa trains are mobile healthcare clinics that travel nine months out of the year to areas of rural South Africa.

Discussing multiple sclerosis through storytelling

Hear from Annarita and her family about how she used storytelling to explain the impact of the progressive nature of multiple sclerosis.

Annual Report 2019 Highlights

How medicines are making an impact in the lives of patients

Investors reporting center

Roche continues to lead the fight against cancer together

This World Cancer Day, learn how we are working together with our partners, including the UICC, to transform the lives of people living with cancer.

New approaches to understand multiple sclerosis

MS is a disease of the central nervous system, estimated to affect 2.3 million people worldwide.

Roche Diagnostics product portfolio

Roche Diagnostics is transforming the way diseases can be prevented, diagnosed and monitored.

“No one can deny the existence of climate change”

André Hoffmann on why companies need to operate and grow in harmony with nature and society.

Living with NMOSD: Advice from a working mother

Ana has neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) but has learnt to understand her condition and remain positive. She shares her story here.

Finding hope in difficult times

Michelle’s diagnosis with NMOSD initially devastated her, but she refuses to let it prevent her from living her life. She shares her story here.

Meet our Roche pRED scientists

Learn more about our scientists and how they are tackling many devastating diseases.

Learning about the science behind NMOSD

Understanding neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and the role of interleukin-6 in the inflammation that occurs in people with NMOSD

What is IBD?

IBD is a group of complex, chronic conditions, characterised by prolonged inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can have a long-term impact on a patient's quality of life.

Roche at ASCO 2020

Elena Bernedo Arzac, Head of Oncology, GPS at Roche Pharmaceuticals: Advancing the science through our computer screens.

Climate change is a very real threat

London is vulnerable to climate change

The beginning of a new normal

Wildfires and heat waves have become normal

We are used to breathing trouble

Smog is a constant companion in Delhi

Patient partners

To do our best for patients, we need to work with them. Learn more about the importance of patient partnerships in shaping the future of healthcare

Decision support

Transforming complexity into opportunity

The value of clinical decision support

Because patients need certainty.

Liver cancer

HCC is known as a ‘silent killer’ as the symptoms often appear too late for curative treatments. Learn more about the signs, symptoms and risk factors.

Roche in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease has far-reaching impact on individuals, caregivers, families and society. Learn how Roche is tackling this looming global crisis.

Tip of the iceberg: the hidden impact of Alzheimer’s disease

Caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease has a huge economic and emotional impact. Learn about the intangible costs and Freeha’s experience with her father.

External innovation opens new doors for advancing science

Global Head of Pharma Partnering James Sabry is excited to embrace the potential of external innovation and innovative partners.

Recognise the impact of flu

Flu is one of the most common infectious diseases, representing a serious threat to public health.

Personalised Healthcare

We are taking PHC toward a future where treatments are targeted to an individual’s needs and unique genetic profile.

The hidden impact of flu: Allison’s story

Allison Miller was living a normal life when complications arising from the flu changed everything.

Reimagining breast cancer with a new palette of pink

Each woman has her own story of cancer, her own shade of pink. We explore the stories of different women who share their unique experience with breast cancer.

Cancer genomic testing – Debbie Rhea’s story

Learn about the importance of genomic testing in treating cancer, and hear from patient; Debbie Rhea about the real-world impact it can have.

Cancer genomic testing – Jamal Tamer’s story

Learn about the importance of genomic testing in treating cancer, and hear from patient; Jamal Tamer about the real-world impact it can have.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A journey with unique challenges

Kathy Hyde hopes that telling her son’s story will help increase understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Will genomics revolutionise the future of medicine?

Joanne Hackett talks about genomics, healthcare, big data and people’s hesitation to share medical data.

Two dimensions of confidence in clinical decision making

For patients, a cancer diagnosis changes everything. Former cancer patient Yvonne shares her story and why greater patient access to medical knowledge is critical to improving care.

Will quantum computers solve the problems of the future?

Martin Strahm talks about the idea, the potential and the limitations of quantum computers.

Building bridges to improve the cancer patient journey

The role of an oncology nurse navigator requires a unique combination of skills, knowledge and compassion.

Our approach to sustainability

Our response to cancer always starts with the science

Targeting cancer demands a deep understanding of its complexities. Our researchers have the freedom to explore cutting-edge science & technology to achieve this.

Women’s health

No matter what stage of life or part of the world a woman is in, knowledge is power.

Taking control of IPF: A tale of two perspectives

Rainer, who was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) after two stressful years of uncertainty, tells his story on living with IPF alongside expert advice from his doctor.

Understanding the role of the microbiome in IBD

Unlocking the mysteries of the gut’s unique and diverse environment of micro-organisms to help improve patient treatment outcomes.

A journey towards mutual understanding in IBD

A look at the importance of patient-physician communication in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and how we are developing digital tools to help address this.

Uncovering stories of progression from the MS community

The MS community shares what they want others to know about the often invisible symptoms of MS, as well as their journey to managing its hidden impact.

Piecing together the puzzle of IBD

Read how we are approaching personalised healthcare in IBD to support individualised care for people living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Roche's personalised approach in IBD

Compare today's approach in IBD with the ideal future

Changing the colorectal cancer story

Two days after being admitted to hospital with stomach pains, Eve Bukowski woke up to the news we all fear.

Roche in Neuroscience & Rare Disease: Preserving what makes people who they are

Our mission is rooted in our formula: follow the science to preserve what makes people who they are.

Shedding light on progression in MS

How Roche is paving the way for better understanding of MS disease progression and monitoring.

Reimagining digital health regulation

For timely access to technologies that improve health decisions, health authorities are rethinking regulations for the uniquely iterative world of software.

The role of diagnostics in fertility and pregnancy

Learn more about advanced screening and diagnostics tests and their role in preconception and pregnancy.

About the importance of disease awareness

Four key factors need to be in place to successfully treat a patient, the first factor is disease awareness.

Hepatitis B - Aiming for cure of a killer

Hepatitis B is responsible for more than 800,000 deaths a year. Roche is working on a cure.

ForPatients

Developed in partnership with patients, ForPatients aims to support patients on their journey.

A woman's right to know: HPV and cervical cancer

The HPV test came back positive – what now? Should women be worried? What should they do next?

Unveiling triple-negative breast cancer

Lifting the curtain on an often overlooked disease.

Striking back at stroke risk

Why less is more in atrial fibrillation management

Addressing the lack of cancer care in Pakistan

Our access to healthcare initiatives

Explore some of our access projects from around the globe.

Increasing access to healthcare

Groundbreaking advances in medical science are only meaningful when they reach the people who need them.

Increasing access to healthcare is a global challenge

Finding sustainable solutions to the barriers to healthcare can only be achieved through collaboration.

The NT-proBNP Story

Biomarkers play a crucial role in Roche’s commitment to personalised healthcare. To find them, we rely on the promising research of our external partners.

Improving access to hepatitis treatment in Egypt

Comprehensive access to cancer treatment in Dubai

A platform for supporting cancer patients in India

India does not have a centralised healthcare funding body and access to medicines is not universal.

Improving cancer care in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Let’s talk fertility

Women and their bodies may have very different ideas about the right time to have a baby.

Strengthening communities

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Our approach to philanthropy

We engage in philanthropic activities that make a lasting impact and strengthen communities.

Better together: Helping one million people with diabetes

Ask anybody with diabetes: managing it is time consuming, exhausting and very annoying.

Of bonds and benefits

Two made-in-Japan collaborations strengthen both Roche and its partners.

Making HIV testing accessible

The Global Access Programme makes HIV viral load tests and the early detection of infections in infants possible in countries that are most affected by the disease.

Our Approach to Cancer Immunotherapy

Roche are leading in cancer immunotherapy through innovative research, including immune profiling, with the goal to develop treatment tailored to individuals.

About the importance of funding

Four key factors need to be in place to successfully treat a patient, with funding being the most controversial one.

About the importance of healthcare capacity

Healthcare capacity is one of four key factors that need to be in place to successfully treat a patient.

About the importance of diagnosis

Four key factors need to be in place to successfully treat a patient, with diagnosis being one of them.

Our approach to increase access to healthcare

Access to healthcare is a complex challenge. Four key factors need to be in place to improve access to quality healthcare.

Always trying to err on the side of drug safety

Keeping its medicines safe for the people who need them is at the core of our remit.

Digital solutions supporting rheumatoid arthritis community

It has become natural for people to seek information or advice about their health online. Learn about three solutions we developed for the European RA community.

Mesothelioma: What could possibly link this rare cancer to the ill-fated Titanic?

What could possibly link this rare cancer to the ill-fated Titanic?

Busting myths in lung cancer

How much do you really know about lung cancer? Our interactive flashcards bust some common myths about lung cancer.

Expecting more for people with PPMS

Dr. Jerome de Seze, explains how recent clinical advances mean more and more people are being diagnosed with PPMS.

MS measurements explained

How we define the ways in which multiple sclerosis can be measured.

Primary progressive MS: Different perspectives

Dr. de Seze and Craig Milverton, who lives with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), share their experiences managing and living with this form of MS.

The realities of pursuing the cure for cancer

Cindy Perettie, our Global Head of Oncology Strategy, provides her personal perspective on the challenges of leading the cure for cancer.

Protecting against progression

Dr. Traboulsee, University of British Columbia in Vancouver, discusses the importance of brain health and early treatment for people with multiple sclerosis.

Beyond the immunity cycle

Roche’s scientists are leading pioneers in immune biology and cancer research, which is resulting in innovative and personalised treatment options in cancer.

Creating value through partnerships

Partnering builds on our culture, one in which we listen to a potential partner and structure a collaboration that meets both parties’ needs.

Buttons - daily enemies for people with rheumatoid arthritis

New clothing collection designed to overcoming issues that people with RA face when getting dressed.

Rheumatoid arthritis through the lens of an Slovenian artist

A photographer captures what it means to live with the consequences of rheumatoid arthritis.

Providing a helping hand for people with rheumatoid arthritis

A collaboration with the Brazilian patient advocacy group helps to improve the quality of life of people living with RA.

Life with rheumatoid arthritis through pictures and words

The three artists captured what living with the disease means to people with rheumatoid arthritis.