Roche Holding AG

Roche Holding AG is a research healthcare company. It operates through the Roche Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics segments. The Roche Pharmaceutical division comprises the business segments, such as Roche Pharmaceuticals and Chuga. The Diagnostic division consists of the following four business areas: centralized and point of care solutions, molecular diagnostics, tissue diagnostics and diabetes care. The company was founded by Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche on October 1, 1896 and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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Indicative of investors' enthusiasm for new biotechs, the average gain in share price for the top 10 companies of the sector that went public in 2020 now tops 100%.

Biotech Shares Have Soared Since 2020's Wave of IPOs

Roche Holding's (OCTMKT: RHHBY) bispecific antibody faricimab has matched Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc's (NASDAQ: REGN) blockbuster drug, Eylea (aflibercept), in four Phase 3 studies, comparing the two in diabetic macular edema (DME) and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). New data from the studies showed that faricimab, which targets VEGF and Ang2, given at intervals of up to four months, offered non-inferior vision gains compared to aflibercept, given every two months.

Roche's Faricimab On Par With Rival Regeneron's Aflibercept In Four Late-Stage Studies In Vision Loss Disorder

Basel, 12 February 2021 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced detailed results from four phase III studies of its investigational bispecific antibody, faricimab, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular or “wet” age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The studies consistently showed that faricimab, given at intervals of up to four months, offered non-inferior vision gains compared to aflibercept, given every two months. Approximately half of people eligible for extended dosing with faricimab were able to be treated every four months in the first year in the YOSEMITE and RHINE studies in DME and the TENAYA and LUCERNE studies in nAMD. Faricimab is the first injectable eye medicine to achieve this length of time between treatments in phase III studies for DME and nAMD. Furthermore, approximately three-quarters of people eligible for extended dosing with faricimab were able to be treated every three months or longer in the first year. Faricimab was generally well-tolerated in all four studies, with no new or unexpected safety signals identified.

New phase III data show Roche's faricimab is the first investigational injectable eye medicine to extend time between treatments up to four months in two leading causes of vision loss, potentially reducing treatment burden for patients

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced detailed results from four Phase III studies of its investigational bispecific antibody, faricimab, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular or “wet” age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The studies consistently showed that faricimab, given at intervals of up to four months, offered non-inferior vision gains compared to aflibercept, given

New Phase III Data Show Genentech's Faricimab Is the First Investigational Injectable Eye Medicine to Extend Time Between Treatments up to Four Months in Two Leading Causes of Vision Loss, Potentially Reducing Treatment Burden for Patients

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The Vanguard Health Care Fund (Trades, Portfolio) has released its portfolio for the fourth quarter. Major trades include selling out of Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT), Merck & Co Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and Roche Holding AG (XSWX:ROG).

The Vanguard Health Care Fund's Top 5 Trades of the 4th Quarter

Roche reported a big miss in the fourth quarter, driven by a double-digit miss in Pharmaceuticals, as biosimilars and COVID-19 hit the company hard.

Roche's Fourth Quarter Was Ugly, But The Long-Term Quality Remains Sound

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today the submission for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test that is designed for use by healthcare professionals in...

Roche announces the filing for FDA Emergency Use Authorization for SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test, allowing healthcare professionals to make fast decisions at the point of care

Basel, 8 February 2021 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to their Elecsys® GDF-15 assay as a companion diagnostic (CDx) in cancer treatment. This in vitro diagnostic immunoassay is intended for measurement of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) in cachectic patients 18 years of age and older with solid tumours for treatment with Pfizer Inc.'s (NYSE: PFE) investigational drug PF-06946860.

FDA grants Breakthrough Device Designation for Roche's Elecsys Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) assay to help identify patients suitable for innovative treatment addressing unintentional weight loss in cancer patients

Spark Therapeutics, a unit of Roche Holdings (OTC: RHHBY), has announced preliminary data from part one of the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial evaluating SPK-8016 in hemophilia A, a genetic deficiency in clotting factor VIII (a necessary part of the blood-clotting cascade), resulting in increased bleeding. Data were at the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders 2021 Virtual Congress.

Roche Unit Spark Therapeutics' Hemophilia A Gene Therapy Shows Durable Benefit In Early-Stage Study

Roche's (RHHBY) performance in 2020 gets negatively impacted by biosimilar competition and coronavirus-related disruptions. Nevertheless, the diagnostics division maintains momentum.

Roche (RHHBY) 2020 Earnings Down Due to Biosimilars, COVID-19

Preliminary data from four participants who received investigational SPK-8016 at a dose of 5X10 11 vg/kg and have no history of FVIII inhibitors show no serious adverse events and stable and durable factor VIII (FVIII) expression at greater than 52 weeks

Spark Therapeutics Announces Preliminary Data from Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of SPK-8016 in Hemophilia A at EAHAD 2021 Virtual Congress

Roche Holding AG (RHHBY) CEO Severin Schwan on Q4 2020 Results - Earnings Call Transcript

Hanover Insurance Group

The Hanover Insurance Group's (THG) CEO Jack Roche on Q4 2020 Results - Earnings Call Transcript

Roche Holdings (OTC: RHHBF) reports a fourth-quarter lift driven by double-digit growth in the diagnostics business, propelled by its 15 COVID-19 tests portfolio. However, the main pharmaceuticals business that makes up almost 75% of overall took a back seat during the pandemic.

COVID-19 Test Business Fuels Roche Q4 Sales, Hikes Dividend

Roche reports solid results in 2020

Affimed

Affimed N.V. (NASDAQ: AFMD) has entered into a clinical research collaboration with Roche Holding AG (OTC: RHHBF) to explore the combination of Affimed's AFM24 with Roche's atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for the treatment of advanced solid epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressing malignancies in patients whose disease has progressed after treatment with previous anticancer therapies.

Affimed Partners With Roche To Develop AFM24 Combo Therapy In EGFR Expressing Solid Tumors

Basel, 01 February 2021 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced it has obtained the CE mark for its new SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal. The test will be available in countries accepting the CE mark by mid-February 2021. In comparison to the existing Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test, the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal collects the sample from the front area of the nose instead of the nasopharynx, resulting in a simplified and faster testing procedure1. This testing method can help reduce overall patient discomfort, particularly in sensitive individuals such as children, elderly people and/or people with disabilities. Besides being less invasive, the test also provides patients with the option to self-collect their nasal sample under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Through reduced physical contact, this method of testing can help to decrease the risk of exposure to the virus for healthcare professionals. Whether the test could also be used without supervision of a healthcare professional will depend on local regulatory requirements. “Rapid testing continues to play an important role in the fight against COVID-19, especially in places when laboratory testing is not available and quick results are needed, such as nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and schools.” said Thomas Schinecker, CEO Roche Diagnostics. “The SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal provides patients with a more comfortable testing experience.” The launch is a partnership with SD Biosensor Inc., with whom Roche has also launched a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test in July and a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test in September 2020. SD Biosensor, is currently preparing to submit an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The test is the latest addition to Roche's comprehensive COVID-19 portfolio to support healthcare systems in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. About the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal The SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 present in human nasal specimens. In clinical studies, the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal showed a relative sensitivity of 90.6% (Ct value ≤ 30; 95 % CI: 75.0 % - 98.0 %) and a specificity of 98.6% for professionally collected samples. For self-collected samples a sensitivity of 84.4 % (Ct value ≤ 30; 95 % CI: 67.2 % - 94.7 %) and a specificity of 99.2% was detected. Overall the studies contained  468  symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals2. This test is intended to detect antigen from SARS‑CoV‑2 in individuals suspected of COVID‑19 or with known or suspected exposure to SARS‑CoV‑2. This product is intended for professional use in laboratory and Point of Care environments, and/or self-collection under the close supervision of a healthcare worker. About antigen testing An antigen test detects proteins which are structural or functional components of a pathogen and are thus very specific to that pathogen3. In this case, the test would provide a qualitative “yes/no” answer on the presence of the pathogen in the patient sample and can be offered as a rapid strip test that is performed at the point of care. If the target antigen is present in sufficient concentrations in the sample, it will bind to specific antibodies and generate a visually detectable signal on the test strip, typically with results ready in 15 minutes. A rapid antigen test can reliably detect individuals with a high viral load allowing healthcare professionals to quickly identify those patients at greatest risk of spreading the infection.4 About Roche's response to the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve globally with varying developments from country to country and we are partnering with healthcare providers, laboratories, authorities and organisations to help make sure that patients receive the tests, treatment and care they need. This new test is an additional step in Roche's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already included:

Roche announces the upcoming launch of the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal allowing for patient self-collection

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Our three-step process focuses on wide-moat stocks (as per Morningstar's rating).

Wide-Moat Stocks On Sale - The February 2021 Heat Map

Basel, 25 January 2021 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced that, on 14 December, 2020, it signed a Global Business Partnership Agreement* (GBP) with Sysmex. Under this new framework, the parties renewed their commitment to the long standing Distribution, Sales and Service (DSS) agreement, allowing Roche to continue to distribute Sysmex haematology products, including instruments and reagents.2 This GBP sees the introduction of an IT Solutions Collaboration Agreement. In the newly defined collaboration, the two companies have agreed to utilise their respective IT platforms to improve customer experience, in the short to mid-term, with a longer term ambition to use the IT systems to lead to improved clinical decision making. The GBP agreement will run until the end of 2030.

Roche renews partnership with Sysmex to deliver haematology testing solutions

Basel, 25 January 2021 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced positive topline results from two identically designed global phase III studies, TENAYA and LUCERNE, evaluating its investigational bispecific antibody, faricimab, in people living with neovascular or “wet” age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Both studies met their primary endpoint and showed that people receiving faricimab injections at fixed intervals of up to every 16 weeks achieved visual acuity outcomes that were non-inferior to those receiving aflibercept injections every eight weeks. Nearly half (45%) of people in both studies were treated with faricimab every 16 weeks during the first year. This is the first time this level of durability has been achieved in a phase III study of an injectable eye medicine for nAMD. In both studies, faricimab was generally well-tolerated, with no new or unexpected safety signals identified. Neovascular AMD affects around 20 million people globally and is the leading cause of blindness in those aged 60 and older.1,2,3 Current standards of care, injections that inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have significantly reduced the rates of vision loss due to nAMD.4  However, VEGF is not the only pathway involved in the development and progression of this complex condition. 4 With anti-VEGF monotherapies, people with nAMD have to visit their ophthalmologist as often as monthly for eye injections to help maintain vision gains and/or prevent vision loss.5 This high treatment burden can lead to under-treatment and potentially less than optimal vision outcomes. 6 It has been more than 15 years since a medicine with a new mechanism of action has been approved to treat nAMD. 7 Faricimab is the first bispecific antibody designed for the eye.8 It targets two distinct pathways – via angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and VEGF-A – that drive a number of retinal conditions, including nAMD.8 “These results show the potential of faricimab as a new class of medicine that could extend time between treatments for people living with neovascular age-related macular degeneration,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roche's Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “We have now seen positive and consistent results in four phase III studies for faricimab across both neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. We look forward to submitting these data to global regulatory authorities, with the aim of bringing this promising treatment option to patients as soon as possible.” The findings from TENAYA and LUCERNE build on positive topline results from the phase III YOSEMITE and RHINE studies, announced in December 2020, which support the potential of faricimab as a treatment option for diabetic macular edema, a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults.9 Detailed results from all four studies will be presented in February at Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration 2021, a medical symposium presented by Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and submitted for approval to health authorities around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. About the TENAYA and LUCERNE studies 10,11 TENAYA (NCT03823287) and LUCERNE (NCT03823300) are two identical, randomised, multicentre, double-masked, global phase III studies, evaluating the efficacy and safety of faricimab compared to aflibercept in 1,329 people living with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (671 in TENAYA and 658 in LUCERNE). The studies each have two treatment arms: faricimab 6.0 mg administered at fixed intervals of every eight, 12 or 16 weeks, selected based on objective assessment of disease activity at weeks 20 and 24; aflibercept 2.0 mg administered at fixed eight-week intervals. In both arms, sham injections were administered at study visits when treatment injections were not scheduled, to maintain the masking of investigators and participants. The primary endpoint of the studies is the average change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score (the best distance vision a person can achieve – including with correction such as glasses – when reading letters on an eye chart) from baseline through week 48. Secondary endpoints include: safety; the percentage of participants in the faricimab arm receiving treatment every eight, 12 and 16 weeks; the percentage of participants achieving a gain, and the percentage avoiding a loss, of 15 letters or more in BCVA from baseline over time; and change in central subfield thickness from baseline over time. About neovascular age-related macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading.1 Neovascular or “wet” AMD (nAMD) is an advanced form of the disease that can cause rapid and severe vision loss.12,13 It develops when new and abnormal blood vessels grow uncontrolled under the macula, causing swelling, bleeding and/or fibrosis.13 Worldwide, around 20 million people are living with nAMD – the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 – and the condition will affect even more people around the world as the global population ages.1,2,3 About faricimab Faricimab is the first investigational bispecific antibody designed for the eye.8 It targets two distinct pathways – via angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) – that drive a number of retinal conditions. 8 Ang-2 and VEGF-A contribute to vision loss by destabilising blood vessels, causing new leaky blood vessels to form and increasing inflammation.4 By simultaneously blocking both pathways involving Ang-2 and VEGF-A, faricimab is designed to stabilise blood vessels, potentially improving vision outcomes for longer for people living with retinal conditions.4 About Roche in Ophthalmology Roche is focused on saving people's eyesight from the leading causes of vision loss through pioneering therapies. Through our innovation in the scientific discovery of new potential drug targets, personalised healthcare, molecular engineering, biomarkers and continuous drug delivery, we strive to design the right therapies for the right patients. We have the broadest retina pipeline in Ophthalmology, covering early and late stage products, which is led by science and informed by insights from people with eye diseases. Our late stage pipeline includes two potential first-of-a-kind treatments, Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS) and faricimab, which are being evaluated in a number of retinal conditions including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. PDS is a permanent refillable eye implant that continuously delivers a customised formulation of ranibizumab over a period of months, potentially reducing the treatment burden associated with frequent eye injections.14 Faricimab is the first investigational bispecific antibody designed for the eye.8 It targets two distinct pathways – via angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) – that drive a number of retinal conditions, to stabilise blood vessels, potentially improving vision outcomes for longer.4,8 Our early stage pipeline includes gene therapies and treatments for geographic atrophy and other vision-threatening diseases, including rare and inherited conditions. Applying our extensive experience, we have already brought breakthrough ophthalmic treatments to people living with vision loss through Lucentis®* (ranibizumab injection), the first treatment approved to improve vision in people with certain retinal conditions. About Roche Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible. Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the twelfth consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2019 employed about 98,000 people worldwide. In 2019, Roche invested CHF 11.7 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 61.5 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. References [1] Bright Focus Foundation. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Facts & Figures. [Internet; cited December 2020]. Available from: https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/article/age-related-macular-facts-figures. [2] Connolly E, et al. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration associated genetic risk factors and 4-year progression data in the Irish population. Br J Ophthalmol. 2018;102:1691-95.[3] Wong WL ,et al. Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration and disease burden projection for 2020 and 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Global Health. 2014;2:106-16[4] Heier JS, et al. The Angiopoietin/Tie pathway in retinal vascular diseases: a review. Retina-J Ret Vit Dis. 2021;41:1-19.[5] Holz FG, et al. Multi-country real-life experience of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol. 2015;99:220-6.[6] Schmidt-Erfurth U, et al. Intravitreal aflibercept injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: ninety-six-week results of the VIEW studies. Ophthalmology. 2014;121:193-201.[7] FDA. Highlights of prescribing information, Macugen, 2011 [Internet; cited 2020 December]. Available from:https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021756s018lbl.pdf. [8] Khan M, et al. Targeting Angiopoietin in retinal vascular diseases: A literature review and summary of clinical trials involving faricimab. Cells. 2020;9:1869.[9] Yau JWY, et al. Global prevalence and major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care. 2012;35:556-64.[10] Clinical Trials.gov. A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of faricimab in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (TENAYA) [Internet; cited 2020 December]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03823287. [11] Clinical Trials.gov. A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of faricimab in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (LUCERNE) [Internet; cited 2020 December]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03823300. [12] Pennington KL, DeAngelis MM. Epidemiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): associations with cardiovascular disease phenotypes and lipid factors. Eye and Vision. 2016;3:34.[13] Little K., et al. Myofibroblasts in macular fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration-the potential sources and molecular cues for their recruitment and activation. EBioMedicine. 2018;38:283-91. [14] Campochiaro, P, et al. Primary analysis results of the phase 3 archway trial of the port delivery system with ranibizumab for patients with neovascular AMD. American Society of Retina Specialists Annual Meeting; 2020 Jul 24-26. Roche Group Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com

Roche's faricimab meets primary endpoint in two global phase III studies and shows potential to extend time between treatments up to 16 weeks for people with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced positive topline results from two identically designed global Phase III studies, TENAYA and LUCERNE, evaluating its investigational bispecific antibody, faricimab, in people living with neovascular or “wet” age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Both studies met their primary endpoint and showed that people receiving faricimab injections at fixed intervals of up to

Genentech's Faricimab Meets Primary Endpoint in Two Global Phase III Studies and Shows Potential to Extend Time Between Treatments up to 16 Weeks for People With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AbbVie

Investors considering pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies might want to factor in one important piece of data into their analysis: A high percentage of new products fail to reach sales forecasts made by industry analysts. This is according to a report from global management consulting firm L.E.K.

AbbVie, Roche, Glaxo Are Experts at Product Launches

The FDA accepts Roche's (RHHBY) sNDA for Esbriet under a priority review to treat unclassifiable interstitial lung disease. A verdict from the regulatory body is awaited in May 2021.

Roche's (RHHBY) Esbriet sNDA Gets Priority Review From FDA

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company's supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) and granted Priority Review for Esbriet® (pirfenidone) for the treatment of unclassifiable interstitial lung disease (UILD). The FDA is expected to make a decision on approval by May 2021. “Since its U.S. approval, Esbriet has become a standard of car

FDA Grants Priority Review to Genentech's Esbriet (pirfenidone) for Unclassifiable Interstitial Lung Disease

Basel, 18 January 2021 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that unfortunately it will not be possible for shareholders to attend the Annual General Meeting in person owing to the ongoing pandemic. Our main concern is to protect our shareholders from any potential health risks that may arise because of the ongoing difficult pandemic situation. As a precautionary and prudent measure, the Board of Directors has decided to conduct the Annual General Meeting of Roche Holding Ltd on Tuesday, 16 March 2021, in accordance with Art. 8 of the Federal Act on the Statutory Principles for Federal Council Ordinances on Combating the COVID-19 Epidemic (COVID-19 Act) and Art. 27 of the Ordinance 3 on Measures to Combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) (COVID-19 Ordinance 3) without the physical presence of shareholders. The Board of Directors regrets having to make this decision, but in view of the current situation sees no possibility of holding the General Meeting in the usual framework. The Annual General Meeting will therefore be held at the premises of Roche Holding Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4058 Basel on 16 March 2021 at 10.30 a.m., with only the persons required by the Articles of Incorporation in attendance. Shareholders may exercise their rights exclusively via written or electronically submitted instructions to the independent proxy, Testaris AG. Further information about the Annual General Meeting and a welcome address to shareholders by Dr Christoph Franz, Chairman of the Board of Directors, can be found at: https://www.roche.com/about/governance/annual_general_meetings.htm About Roche Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible. Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the twelfth consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2019 employed about 98,000 people worldwide. In 2019, Roche invested CHF 11.7 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 61.5 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. Roche Group Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com

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