Annual Report 2002 - Roche

The innovative way in which we manage
the research activities of the Roche
Group allows us to exploit synergies,
generate more competitive knowledge
and, ultimately, create medicines and
diagnostic products that provide greater
benefits for patients.
Jonathan K.C. Knowles, Head of Research
The pharmaceutical R&D network also
includes numerous alliances and collaborations
with major industry and
science institutions around the globe.
One example is our partnership with
deCODE genetics, which in the last
3 years has led to the identification
of thirteen genetic risk factors for
common diseases, including stroke,
rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia.
As a result of these discoveries,
Roche pharmaceutical research is
already investigating various new drug
targets, such as glucokinase activators
for the treatment of diabetes. In 2002
Roche and deCODE entered into a
new three-year alliance.
Outlook. Roche expects the Pharmaceuticals
Division’s organic growth to
be further enhanced by the launches
of Pegasys and Fuzeon. Our oncology
business should continue its strong
growth trend thanks to its key products
MabThera/Rituxan, Xeloda and
Herceptin. NeoRecormon and Cell-
Cept will also remain growth drivers.
135 research projects
in major therapeutic areas (31 January 2003)
Metabolic disorders 30
Oncology 37
Central nervous system 24
Virology 10
Vascular diseases 8
Urogenital diseases 9
Inflammatory diseases 17
We anticipate that our established
products Rocephin and Roaccutane/
Accutane will remain important
revenue earners in 2003 but will lose
their current prominence through
generic erosion.
Over the next five years Roche plans to
file up to 29 new drug applications in
key therapeutic areas such as oncology,
HIV/AIDS and anxiety/depression.
We intend to additionally strengthen
our portfolio by continuing our intensive
in-licensing activities.
In 2003 the Pharmaceuticals Division
is looking to outperform the global
market, with the division’s strong
30 Pharmaceuticals