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[Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR] Roche reports good sales growth in the first quarter of 2022

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Basel, 25 April 2022

  • Group sales increase 11%1 at constant exchange rates (CER) and 10% in Swiss francs
  • Pharmaceuticals Division sales up 6%; continued strong sales of new medicines for severe diseases. Impact of biosimilars decreases as expected.
  • Diagnostics Division sales grow 24% due to good momentum in base business and continued high demand for COVID-19 tests. After a strong first quarter, significant decline in COVID-19-related testing expected.
  • Highlights in the first quarter:
    • FDA approval of Vabysmo (severe eye diseases); CHMP recommends EU approval of Polivy combination (aggressive form of blood cancer), Tecentriq (early-stage non-small cell lung cancer) and mosunetuzumab (follicular lymphoma)
    • Positive long-term data for Evrysdi (spinal muscular atrophy) and for Vabysmo and Susvimo (severe eye diseases)
    • Roche provides molecular testing solutions to identify and differentiate SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants
  • Outlook for 2022 confirmed

Commenting on the Group’s sales, Roche CEO Severin Schwan said: “As expected, we started the year with strong demand for our diagnostics base business, our broad portfolio of COVID-19 tests and our new medicines. I am particularly pleased about the progress we are making in developing our product pipeline, including positive new data in neurology as well as in severe eye diseases. Based on our current assessment of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, we confirm the outlook for the full year.”

Sales CHF millions As % of sales % change
January – March 2022 2022 2021 2022 2021 At CER In CHF
Group sales 16,445 14,930 100.0 100.0 11 10
Pharmaceuticals Division 11,159 10,600 67.9 71.0 6 5
United States 5,489 5,292 33.4 35.4 2 4
Europe 2,072 2,175 12.6 14.6 -1 -5
Japan 1,337 852 8.1 5.7 69 57
International* 2,261 2,281 13.8 15.3 0 -1
Diagnostics Division 5,286 4,330 32.1 29.0 24 22
*Asia-Pacific, CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia and Indian subcontinent), Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Canada, others

 

Outlook confirmed for 2022
Sales are expected to be stable or grow in the low-single digits (at constant exchange rates). Core earnings per share are targeted to grow in the low- to mid-single digit range (at constant exchange rates), including the accretive effect of the 2021 share repurchase. Roche expects to increase its dividend in Swiss francs further.

Roche anticipates sales of COVID-19 medicines and diagnostics to decrease by approximately CHF 2 billion to around CHF 5 billion, and sales losses to biosimilars in the current year to be roughly CHF 2.5 billion. Excluding those effects, Group sales are expected to grow in the high-single digit range.

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Group results
In the first quarter of the year, Group sales rose by 11% (10% in CHF) to CHF 16.4 billion.

Pharmaceuticals Division sales increased by 6% to CHF 11.2 billion. Newly launched medicines to treat severe diseases continued their strong growth, including Ronapreve (COVID-19; mainly in Japan), Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis), Hemlibra (haemophilia), Evrysdi (spinal muscular atrophy) and Phesgo (breast cancer).

The impact of competition from biosimilars for the established cancer medicines Avastin, MabThera/Rituxan and Herceptin has further slowed down as expected (combined CHF 568 million of sales reduction).

In the United States, sales increased by 2%. Ocrevus, Hemlibra, Actemra/RoActemra, Tecentriq and Phesgo were the main growth drivers. This was partly offset by the expected impact of biosimilars.

In Europe, sales decreased by 1%. Growth of Ocrevus, Phesgo and Evrysdi and other innovative medicines was offset by the biosimilars impact and lower Ronapreve sales.

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Sales in Japan significantly increased (+69%), driven by the high demand for Ronapreve and other innovative medicines, such as Polivy and Evrysdi.

Sales in the International region were stable. Sales growth of Perjeta, Ronapreve, Alecensa, Evrysdi, Hemlibra and Ocrevus was neutralised by the impact of biosimilars. In China, sales declined by 9% due to strong biosimilars competition; excluding China, sales increased by 5%.

The Diagnostics Division reported strong sales growth of 24% to CHF 5.3 billion. The division’s base business showed good momentum (+10%), especially in the immunodiagnostics business, with cardiac tests as key contributor.

Roche’s leading portfolio of COVID-19 tests remained a major sales driver, with increased demand for point-of-care and PCR tests. The portfolio contributed significantly to the division’s overall sales growth with a total of CHF 1.9 billion (CHF 1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2021).

Sales grew across all regions, driven by North America (59%) and Asia-Pacific (34%). Latin America reported a plus of 9%; Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) grew 2%.

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Pharmaceuticals: key development milestones in the first quarter of 2022

Ophthalmology
In January 2022, the FDA approved Vabysmo for the treatment of neovascular or ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DME). In March, approval was granted in Japan. Neovascular AMD and DME are two leading causes of vision loss, together affecting around 40 million people worldwide.

In February, Roche presented promising longer-term data from its phase III studies of Vabysmo and Susvimo (nAMD). These results further reinforce the potential of both eye medicines to offer durable vision outcomes with fewer eye injections than the current standard of care, thus reducing the treatment burden for people with these conditions.

Oncology
In March, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended the approval of Polivy combination therapy for the treatment of previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Polivy regimen is the first therapy in more than 20 years to significantly improve outcomes in this aggressive form of blood cancer.

Also in March, Roche announced that the phase III SKYSCRAPER-02 study, evaluating the investigational anti-TIGIT immunotherapy tiragolumab plus Tecentriq and chemotherapy as an initial treatment for people with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), did not meet its co-primary endpoint of progression-free survival. The broad tiragolumab programme in other cancer types will be continued with high priority.

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In April, the phase II acelERA trial on giredestrant did not meet its primary endpoint of progression-free survival in people with a certain form of advanced breast cancer. However, efficacy data were encouraging with a more pronounced benefit in patients with higher dependence on estrogen receptor activity. Overall survival data are still immature. The acelERA trial is the second randomized trial following the phase II coopERA trial in the neoadjuvant setting where giredestrant demonstrated improved efficacy and good safety. Giredestrant is being investigated in further clinical trials for patients with 1st line metastatic breast cancer and early breast cancer. Results from the acelERA trial will be presented at a medical meeting later this year.

Also in April, the CHMP recommended EU approvals of Tecentriq as adjuvant treatment for certain people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (eNSCLC) and of mosunetuzumab for the treatment of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL).

If approved, Tecentriq will be the first and only cancer immunotherapy available for certain people with early-stage NSCLC in Europe, and mosunetuzumab will be the first CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody available to treat FL offering a new, off-the-shelf, fixed-duration treatment option.

Neurosciences
At two neurology conferences (the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical and Scientific Conference and the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting), Roche presented new data from its growing neuroscience portfolio, including multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

The new data underlined the longer-term efficacy and safety for Roche’s new medicines Ocrevus (MS), Evrysdi (SMA) and Enspryng (NMOSD).

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  • New data for Ocrevus showed benefit in disability progression and cognitive decline in both secondary progressive and primary progressive MS. Roche is also focusing on making its clinical trials more inclusive: A separate analysis included findings from underrepresented populations, such as Black and Hispanic/Latino-American MS patients.
  • New data for Evrysdi (pivotal SUNFISH study) confirmed that increases in motor function were sustained at three years while adverse events decreased over the same period.

In addition, Roche and its partner Sarepta announced details of the phase III pivotal study (EMBARK) of delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001), an investigational gene therapy for boys living with DMD.
Roche also presented baseline characteristics of its Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical programme with gantenerumab, a late-stage investigational subcutaneously administered monoclonal antibody. Data from the pivotal GRADUATE trials are expected in the fourth quarter of 2022.

COVID-19
The high rate of unvaccinated people will continue to put a strain on hospitals and healthcare systems around the world, furthering the need for effective COVID-19 treatments.

In April, the FDA granted priority review to Actemra/RoActemra for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalised adults. More than one million people with severe or critical COVID-19 have already been treated with Actemra/RoActemra worldwide, demonstrating the important role of this medicine in the fight against the pandemic. Roche has established a comprehensive access approach to improve the availability of its COVID-19 medicines around the world, such as implementing an international differential pricing strategy, specifically designed to address the needs during this pandemic.

Pharmaceuticals: Key development milestones in the first quarter of 2022

  Compound Indication Milestone
Regulatory

 

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Polivy combination Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma CHMP recommendation of EU approval
Actemra/RoActemra COVID-19 in hospitalised adults FDA priority review; EU filing; WHO prequalification
Vabysmo Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DME) US and Japan approval; EU filing
Tecentriq Adjuvant treatment for certain people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (eNSCLC) CHMP recommendation of EU approval
mosunetuzumab Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) CHMP recommendation of EU approval
Phase III / pivotal and other key readouts

 

Vabysmo Diabetic macular oedema (DME)

 

Phase III YOSEMITE and RHINE
(2-year data)
Susvimo Neovascular or ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) Phase III Archway
(2-year data)
Ocrevus Complete spectrum multiple sclerosis (MS): SPMS and PPMS Phase III CONSONANCE
(1-year data)
Evrysdi SMA type 2 or 3: Long-term efficacy and safety in people aged 2–25 years Phase III
SUNFISH part 1 and 2
(3-year data)
Evrysdi Presymptomatic infants with SMA Phase II RAINBOWFISH ad interim data
Enspryng Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD): Long-term efficacy and safety Phase III SAkuraSky and SAkuraStar
tiragolumab + Tecentriq + chemotherapy First-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) Phase III
SKYSCRAPER-02: co-primary endpoint not met
delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001) gene therapy Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Phase III study design, EMBARK
giredestrant ER-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer Phase II acelERA: primary endpoint not met

Diagnostics: key milestones in the first quarter 2022
In March, Roche and its subsidiary, TIB Molbiol, confirmed that they have molecular testing solutions to identify and differentiate SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants of concern. It is critical to quickly and accurately identify variants to inform ongoing research and development of therapeutics and vaccines. This can potentially stop or slow down the advancement of the disease. In addition, differentiated testing helps public health professionals to plan and implement the necessary measures.

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Also in March, Roche announced a collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb to advance personalised healthcare through digital pathology solutions. This collaboration is among the first examples where artificial intelligence (AI) technology and digital pathology applications are playing a role in developing treatments for patients.     

Pharmaceuticals sales

Sales CHF millions As % of sales % change
January March 2022 2022 2021 2022 2021 At CER In CHF
Pharmaceuticals Division 11,159 10,600 100.0 100.0 6 5
United States 5,489 5,292 49.2 49.9 2 4
Europe 2,072 2,175 18.7 20.4 -1 -5
Japan 1,337 852 12.0 8.0 69 57
International* 2,261 2,281 20.1 21.7 0 -1
*Asia-Pacific, CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia and Indian subcontinent), Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Canada, others  
Top-selling pharmaceuticals

 

Total United States Europe Japan International*
CHFm % CHFm % CHFm % CHFm % CHFm %
Ocrevus 1,449 18 1,050 12 280 34 119 29
Perjeta 993 1 362 -1 228 -21 59 -1 344 32
Hemlibra 853 30 520 28 170 31 84 15 79 63
Tecentriq 825 8 446 10 183 14 107 -5 89
Actemra/RoActemra 792 3 380 22 220 -4 87 12 105 -30
Herceptin 607 -19 144 -26 122 -13 15 -30 326 -18
Ronapreve 587 272 62 -61 483 42
Avastin 581 -32 178 -39 58 -56 131 -12 214 -23
MabThera/Rituxan 564 -21 347 -20 54 -19 8 -15 155 -23
Kadcyla 511 9 204 172 8 32 28 103 26
*Asia-Pacific, CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia and Indian subcontinent), Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Canada, others      

Pharmaceuticals sales: Selected top-selling and new medicines

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Ocrevus (first approved in 2017; CHF 1.4 billion, +18%). Relapsing and primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis; two-hour only infusion. The demand for this treatment in both indications remained strong, mainly in the United States, while the pandemic still had a certain negative impact. Sales growth in Europe across most countries, notably in Germany, Italy and UK.

Perjeta (first approved in 2012; CHF 993 million, +1%). HER2-positive breast cancer. Sales increased mostly due to high demand in China in both early and metastatic breast cancer settings. Sales growth in the International region (mainly China) was partly offset by sales decline in Europe due to the launch of Phesgo in 2020.

Hemlibra (first approved in 2017; CHF 853 million, +30%). Haemophilia A with and without factor VIII inhibitors; only prophylactic treatment that can be administered subcutaneously once weekly, every two or every four weeks. Sales continued to show an impressive uptake, especially in the United States and Europe.

Tecentriq (first approved in 2016; CHF 825 million, +8%). Cancer immunotherapy (either alone or in combinations) for various types of cancer, e.g. lung, bladder, breast and liver cancer. Sales increased mostly due to high demand in the United States and Europe. Sales in Japan decreased, primarily due to governmental price cuts.

Actemra/RoActemra2 (CHF 792 million, +3%). Rheumatoid arthritis, forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and giant cell arteritis, CAR T cell-induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome and COVID-19 pneumonia. The inclusion of this medicine in treatment guidelines for severe COVID-19-associated pneumonia by a number of countries drove sales growth, with the United States as a major contributor.

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Herceptin2 (CHF 607 million, -19%). HER2-positive breast cancer and HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer. The sales decrease was mainly due to biosimilar uptake in various countries.

Ronapreve (first approved in 2021; CHF 587 million, +272%). Antibody combination for the prevention and treatment of recently diagnosed high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Roche is responsible for distribution in Europe and other countries outside the United States, its partner Regeneron is responsible for the United States. The sales growth in Japan was partly offset by the sales decline in Europe.

Avastin2 (CHF 581 million, -32%). Advanced colorectal, breast, lung, kidney, cervical and ovarian cancer, relapsed glioblastoma (a type of brain tumour) and liver cancer in combination with Tecentriq. Sales were heavily impacted by the uptake of biosimilars, mainly in the United States.

MabThera/Rituxan2 (CHF 564 million, -21%). Forms of blood cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of vasculitis. Sales further decreased due to the biosimilar erosion, notably in the United States.

Kadcyla (first approved in 2013; CHF 511 million, +9%). HER2-positive breast cancer. Sales growth was driven by the usage of Kadcyla in the early breast cancer setting. Sales benefited from patients switching to this new standard of treatment.

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Xolair2 (CHF 456 million, +9%, United States only). Chronic spontaneous urticaria and allergic asthma. Steady sales growth in the chronic spontaneous urticaria indication. Xolair remains the market leader in the larger allergic asthma indication.

Alecensa (first approved in 2015; CHF 361 million, +23%). ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer. The global uptake continued with sales growth across all regions.

Lucentis2 (CHF 256 million, -26%, United States only). Eye conditions, including ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration.

TNKase/Activase2 (CHF 247 million, -20%). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Esbriet (first approved in 2014; CHF 241 million, -6%). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

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Evrysdi (first approved in 2020; CHF 226 million, +189%). Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in adults and children two months of age and older. Evrysdi helps infants to survive without permanent ventilation. It is the first and only medicine for SMA that can be administered at home. Evrysdi continued to show a strong uptake across all regions, mainly in Europe.

Gazyva/Gazyvaro (first approved in 2013; CHF 165 million, +7%). Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, rituximab-refractory follicular lymphoma and previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma. Approved as a shorter duration infusion time of 90 minutes, compared to the standard infusion of 3-4 hours.

Phesgo (first approved in 2020; CHF 146 million, +410%). Early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (fixed-dose combination of Perjeta and Herceptin for subcutaneous injection). Offers faster administration in just minutes, compared to hours with standard intravenous administration. Sales continued to show a considerable uptake, especially in Europe and the United States.     

Polivy (first approved in 2019; CHF 81 million, +89%). Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; part of combination therapy; a fixed-duration treatment option for people with this aggressive form of blood cancer.

Enspryng (first approved in 2020; CHF 41 million, +216%). Rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; NMOSD); first subcutaneous NMOSD treatment that can be self- or carer-administered at home. Enspryng has continued to show a very good uptake, with over 1,000 people with this rare disease treated to date (including newly diagnosed and previously treated patients).

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Vabysmo (first approved in 2022; CHF 21 million3). Neovascular or ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DME), two leading causes of vision loss. Sales of this new eye medicine showed a good uptake.

Rozlytrek (first approved in 2019; CHF 16 million, +78%). Specific form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); solid tumours expressing a specific gene fusion; ROS1-positive, advanced NSCLC.

Susvimo (first approved in 2021; CHF 1 million3). Eye implant with continuous drug delivery for neovascular or ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treatment.
 

Diagnostics sales

Sales CHF millions As % of sales % change
January March 2022 2022 2021 2022 2021 At CER In CHF
Diagnostics Division 5,286 4,330 100.0 100.0 24 22
Customer Areas            
Core Lab4 1,896 1,786 35.9 41.3 8 6
Point of Care4 1,466 806 27.7 18.6 84 82
Molecular Lab4 1,189 996 22.5 23.0 21 19
Diabetes Care 417 460 7.9 10.6 -7 -9
Pathology Lab 318 282 6.0 6.5 14 13
Regions            
Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) 1,902 1,967 35.9 45.5 2 -3
North America 1,705 1,051 32.2 24.2 59 62
Asia-Pacific 1,395 1,045 26.5 24.1 34 33
Latin America 284 267 5.4 6.2 9 6

Core Lab. Focuses on central labs; provides diagnostics solutions in the areas of immunoassays, clinical chemistry and custom biotech. Sales increased by 8% due to its immunodiagnostics business, with cardiac tests as main contributors. Sales grew across all regions, mostly in Asia-Pacific and EMEA. The US Core Lab business (excluding custom biotech) grew 10%.

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Point of Care. Focuses on diagnostics solutions in emergency rooms, medical practices or directly with patients; includes SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests, blood gas and electrolyte tests. Continued significant sales growth of 84%. The SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen test was the main growth driver, especially in North America.

Molecular Lab. Focuses on molecular labs; provides diagnostics solutions for pathogen detection and monitoring, donor screening, sexual health and genomics. Sales grew 21%, led by the virology business, mainly in EMEA and Asia-Pacific.

Diabetes Care. Focuses on integrated personalised diabetes management for people with diabetes and healthcare professionals. Sales decreased by 7%, as a result of the continued contraction of the blood glucose monitoring market due to people switching to continuous glucose monitoring systems. This was partly offset by higher demand in emerging markets. Excluding the base effect of the resolution of a rebate dispute in the first quarter of 2021, sales increased by 1%.

Pathology Lab. Focuses on pathology labs; provides diagnostics solutions for tissue biopsies and companion diagnostics. These targeted diagnostics support the specific therapy decisions for each patient. Sales increased by 14%, especially in North America and Asia-Pacific. This was mainly due to growth in the advanced staining business.

About Roche
Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

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In recognising our endeavor to pursue a long-term perspective in all we do, Roche has been named one of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceuticals industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the thirteenth consecutive year. This distinction also reflects our efforts to improve access to healthcare together with local partners in every country we work.

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] Unless otherwise stated, all growth rates and comparisons to the previous year in this document are at constant exchange rates (CER: average 2021) and all total figures quoted are reported in CHF.
[2] Established products (launched before 2012), including Actemra/RoActemra, Avastin, Herceptin, MabThera/Rituxan, Xolair, Lucentis, Activase/TNKase, Pulmozyme and CellCept.
[3] Recently approved; no growth figures available.
[4] Sales in the Point of Care customer area include sales from the Liat business (POC molecular), and sales in the Core Lab customer area include sales from the Life Science Alliances, both previously shown as part of the Molecular Lab customer area. The comparative information for 2021 has been updated accordingly. 
POC molecular sales: Q1/21 = 90mCHF, Q2/21 = 92mCHF, Q3/21 = 175mCHF, Q4/21 = 194mCHF.
Life Science Alliances sales: Q1/21 = 21mCHF, Q2/21 = 23mCHF, Q3/21 = 23mCHF, Q4/21 = 20mCHF.

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Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as ‘believes’, ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘projects’, ‘intends’, ‘should’, ‘seeks’, ‘estimates’, ‘future’ or similar expressions or by discussion of, among other things, strategy, goals, plans or intentions. Various factors may cause actual results to differ materially in the future from those reflected in forward-looking statements contained in this document, such as: (1) pricing and product initiatives of competitors; (2) legislative and regulatory developments and economic conditions; (3) delay or inability in obtaining regulatory approvals or bringing products to market; (4) fluctuations in currency exchange rates and general financial market conditions; (5) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of new products or new uses of existing products, including without limitation negative results of clinical trials or research projects, unexpected side effects of pipeline or marketed products; (6) increased government pricing pressures; (7) interruptions in production; (8) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights; (9) litigation; (10) loss of key executives or other employees; and (11) adverse publicity and news coverage. The statement regarding earnings per share growth is not a profit forecast and should not be interpreted to mean that Roche’s earnings or earnings per share for this or any subsequent period will necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share of Roche.

Roche Group Media Relations
Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Nicolas Dunant
Phone: +41 61 687 05 17
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Phone: +41 79 935 81 48

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Phone: +41 61 687 89 67

Karsten
Kleine
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Phone: +41 79 327 54 74

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Artificial Intelligence

International study shows: companies underestimate the lead time and complexity of digital transformation projects

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international-study-shows:-companies-underestimate-the-lead-time-and-complexity-of-digital-transformation-projects

Companies under pressure: Organizational adjustments are the main driver of IT transformations worldwide (36%). Sustainability is a key transformation motive for only 15%.During the transformation process, companies particularly underestimate communication between departments and divisions (39%) and the adequate provision of resources (30%).German companies are in third place when it comes to preparing their IT for the integration of future-oriented technologies (e.g. AI). Pioneers are Switzerland (47%) and the USA (43%).BIELEFELD, Germany and Walldorf, Germany, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Technological progress, new consumer habits and global developments are forcing companies to constantly adapt their IT systems. The fact that such projects are usually more complex and time-consuming than expected is demonstrated by the latest figures from the International Transformation Study 2024, which is conducted annually by  the internationally operating SAP© consulting company NTT DATA Business Solutions AG together with IT service provider Natuvion GmbH. The study provides descriptive insights into the IT transformation practices of companies with the aim of providing managers with a compass for future projects. More than 1,200 CEOs, CIOs and IT decision-makers from a total of 15 countries were surveyed on ongoing or completed transformation projects.

 
 
Pressure to adapt to technology is increasing worldwide
Technological developments and the pressure on the economy to adapt are putting companies under pressure. At 36%, companies cite organizational adjustments (restructuring) as the most common reason for an IT transformation. In the automotive industry, which is undergoing a massive upheaval due to the switch to electromobility in particular, restructuring even tops the list of motives for transformation at 48%. The booming life sciences sector is doing similarly. Here, too, organizational adjustments came first with 38%.
Immediately after this, respondents across all participating countries chose the introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence as the second most common transformation motive with 27%. In a comparison of countries, Switzerland and the USA lead the table of pioneers with 47% and 43% respectively. German companies are in third place: 37% of them stated that they had started their IT transformation in order to introduce modern technologies such as AI.
 
Growing demand for transformation expertise
A key finding of the Transformation Study 2024 is that companies often underestimate the challenges of their IT transformation – above all the organization of communication between departments and divisions (39%) during the process. The lack of existing transformation knowledge in companies (33%) and the difficulty of conducting a detailed analysis of the existing IT landscape and data (29%) are also particularly striking. In direct comparison to the previous year, the number of those who identified a lack of transformation expertise in their own company even increased by 5%. More than a third of all respondents therefore rated the option of engaging external consultants at an early stage and thus closing the existing skills gap as the second most important organizational measure for the successful implementation of their transformation project.
“The study clearly shows that a lack of expertise and a shortage of skilled workers are the main factors slowing down the transformation of companies. However, innovative and efficient IT is crucial in order to remain competitive,” explains Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions AG and EVP of NTT DATA, Inc. “The strategic management of transformation projects is therefore becoming increasingly relevant for companies worldwide. We involve managers and employees in the change process at an early stage and use our 35 years of expertise to ensure that our customers achieve their transformation goals on time and within budget.”
 
More data protection and cloud applications
For around a quarter of respondents, the integration of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence is already the primary reason for their IT transformation. If we restrict the range of respondents to representatives of top management, it becomes clear that data protection was rated even more important than AI. A full 44% of board members and managing directors state that data protection was a particularly important driver of their transformation.
The trend of moving applications to cloud platforms also continues unabated. Around 56% of companies state that they are using more cloud services as part of their transformation. In all countries surveyed, greater flexibility and faster customization options are the main reasons for cloud use (39%). Other reasons for increased cloud use include the acceleration of business processes (38%) and, once again, faster and easier access to technical innovations such as automation (37%). Better scalability (16%) and greater data security (13%) are also of key importance for cloud use.
Patrick Dahse, Managing Director of Natuvion GmbH, which has been part of NTT DATA Business Solutions since August 2022, emphasizes the central importance of data quality for transformation projects: “Good data has always been the basis and fuel for innovative processes and in the age of AI, its importance continues to increase. The study results confirm this and show that Only those who keep their data in the appropriate quality, harmonized and centrally available will be able to make optimal use of the blessings of technical developments in the future.”
The full results of the “Transformation Study 2024” can be found here.
 
About NTT DATA Business Solutions
NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider with a focus on SAP and a powerful partner network. With more than 35 years of experience, we support companies worldwide on their way to the Intelligent Enterprise. We deliver end-to-end solutions that sustainably accelerate growth and success – from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and use the latest technologies to advise our customers individually and across industries. Our more than 15,300 dedicated employees in over 30 countries are at work every day.
NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA. Headquartered in Tokyo, the trusted global business and technology leader generates revenues of over 30 billion US dollars. As One NTT DATA, we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and help our clients innovate, optimize and transform processes for their long-term success. NTT DATA is part of the NTT Group.
 
About Natuvion
Natuvion is a digital relocation company. Natuvion moves business-critical data and processes from one technological platform to another! The Natuvion experts are always called upon when medium-sized and large companies want to modernize, optimize, separate, merge or rebuild their IT systems! This exclusive expertise in technical transformation enables Natuvion customers to always use their data and processes on the most modern and innovative technologies. As Inc. 5000 and FT 1000, the Natuvion Group has been one of the most dynamically growing software and IT consulting companies in Europe for 4 consecutive years.
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Taipei Internet Exchange and AMS-IX Hong Kong expand connectivity network with global reach

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CHIEF, HGC and AMS-IX enter into partnership
HONG KONG, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chief Telecom (CHIEF), the operator of Taiwan’s largest Internet Exchange (TPIX), the world’s leading Internet Exchange AMS-IX, and HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a fully-fledged ICT service provider and network operator with extensive global coverage, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide a total business solution to their respective customers. This agreement facilitates the seamless traffic exchange between Taipei Internet Exchange (TPIX) and AMS-IX Hong Kong, so as to provide customers a one-stop shop solution, allowing them to expand their internet network resources by leveraging their extensive global connectivity network.

AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange), located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is one of the largest internet exchanges globally, boasting a member base of nearly a thousand. HGC is a well-known telecom operator in Asia and also serves as a partner of AMS-IX in the region.
By leveraging this strategic partnership, TPIX members can now expand their network resources and facilitate content sharing and localization, not only within Hong Kong but also across the HGC’s extensive global network with diversified routes and digital infrastructure. This connectivity empowers them to reach other AMS-IX exchanges in Asia, such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila, as well as globally, including Amsterdam, the Bay Area and Chicago. This seamless and reliable remote peering solution enhances the end-user experiences.
Conversely, AMS-IX Hong Kong members can enjoy additional 170 network connections and tap into the local user base in Taiwan through TPIX. This expanded connectivity and access to a new eyeball will drive more traffic exchange to both AMS-IX Hong Kong and TPIX members. The reciprocal benefits of this partnership allow the connected parties to penetrate each others’ markets and reach a broader audience base, contributing to the growth of the cross-border peering ecosystem.
Mr. Joseph Wu, Chairman of Chief Telecom, said: “Joining the global community of internet exchanges is a valuable experience and opportunity to CHIEF. In the future, we can leverage each others local customers and numerous peering members to create a synergistic effect greater than the sum of its parts. We aspire to become the digital convergence of East Asia and AI cloud application center. CHIEF acts as an important hub for major private and consortium submarine cable systems in Asia-Pacific region while TPIX is now ranked 82th of the largest IXPs globally. We eagerly anticipate that under the strategic partnership, we can accelerate up TPIX’s global ranking, increase our digital influence, and position CHIEF as a crucial strategic hub connecting Taiwan with the world.”
Mr. Daniel Wang, Assistant Vice President, Taiwan, International Business of HGC, said: “We are honoured to partner with CHIEF and AMS-IX, as this strategic cooperation aligns with our strategy to build up a robust and expansive peering ecosystem. This ecosystem will enable more peering opportunities for OTT, content providers, gaming, cloud service providers across the regions. By leveraging our global reach and digital infrastructure, we can improve Internet performance through low latency and enhance end-user experience.”
Mr. Onno Bos, International Partnership Director of AMS-IX, added: “Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in terms of internet traffic. By expanding our connectivity network in the region, either via partnerships and opening additional exchanges, we strive to support the growth of digital transformation. In doing so, the region will benefit from more efficient, reliable and secure data exchange between different networks.”
About HGC Global Communications Limited
HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international telecom operator and ICT solution provider. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 19 overseas offices and staff presence in 31 cities worldwide. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate, SME and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fibre-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. In 2019, HGC Group completed the acquisition of Macroview Telecom Limited (Macroview), a leading digital technology solution and managed services provider. The addition of Macroview further accelerates HGC Group’s digital transformation path and positioning as a pioneering ICT and digital services leader. HGC is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, transport, social infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. To learn more, please visit HGC’s website at: www.hgc.com.hk 
About AMS-IX 
AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange) is a neutral member-based association that operates multiple interconnection platforms around the world. Our leading platform in Amsterdam has been playing a crucial role at the core of the internet for 30 years and is one of the largest hubs for internet traffic in the world with over 12 Terabits per second (Tbps) of peak traffic. Connecting to AMS-IX ensures customers such as internet service providers, telecom companies and cloud providers that their global IP traffic is routed in an efficient, fast, secure, stable and cost-effective way. This allows them to offer low latency and engaging online experiences for end-users. AMS-IX interconnects more than 1000 IP-networks in the world. AMS-IX also manages the world’s first mobile peering points: the Global Roaming Exchange (GRX), the Mobile Data Exchange (MDX) and the Internetwork Packet Exchange (I-IPX) interconnection points. 
More information: www.ams-ix.net 
About Chief Telecom
Established in 1991, Chief Telecom became an affiliate of CHT in 2006, and officially listed at Taipei Exchange (TPEx) on June 5th, 2018 (TWSE: 6561). Chief Telecom is ISO 27001, ISO 27011, ISO 27017, ISO 27018 and Data Centre Operations Standard (DCOS) certified to provide its customers with the best information security shield.
With its global internet backbone, professional skills of communication integration, Chief Cloud eXchange (CCX), and TPIX –the biggest internet exchange in Taiwan, Chief Telecom is able to provide total solutions and various business models to enhance its customers’ operational effectiveness and competitive advantages. For more information, please go to https://www.chief.com.tw.
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2024 China Energy Internet Conference held in Future Science City, Beijing

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BEIJING, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The China Energy Internet Conference was held in Future Science City, Changping district, Beijing, from June 20 to 21. It was hosted by Tsinghua University, the Administrative Committee of Beijing Future Science City, the Energy Internet Research Institute of Tsinghua University and Beijing Future Science City Group Co., Ltd.

With the theme of “AI empowering Energy Internet Innovation and Development of New Quality Productive Forces”, the conference invited academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering and other industry experts, as well as guests from energy Internet related enterprises, research institutes, financial institutions and industry associations.
The 2024 Annual Report on the Development of National Energy Internet, Construction Plan of Carbon Monitoring and Management Platform for Future Science City were officially released at the conference.
Attendees had extensive in-depth discussions and exchanges during seven sub-forums on the topics of technological innovation and engineering application of energy digitalization industry, intelligent hydrogen power, carbon neutralization of energy storage application and standardization of energy Internet.
After visiting the exhibition hall of the Future Science City, the Energy Internet Building, and the Central Research Institute of the State Power Investment Corporation, attendees gained a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the support policies and latest construction achievements for the industrial development planning of the Energy Valley, Future Science City.
The conference aims to build a platform for cross-border exchange of innovative resources such as universities and venture capital institutions of energy Internet-related enterprises to help China take a more solid step towards innovation and transformation in the field of energy, and to provide Chinese wisdom and solutions for the construction and development of the global energy Internet network.
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