[Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR] Roche reports good results in 2021
Roche reported a 9% increase in Group sales for 2021, reaching CHF 62.8 billion, driven by strong demand for newly launched medicines and diagnostics. The Pharmaceuticals Division saw a 3% sales growth, while the Diagnostics Division grew by 29%, largely due to COVID-19 tests. Key approvals included Susvimo and Vabysmo in the U.S. For 2022, Roche expects stable or low-single-digit sales growth, anticipating a decline in COVID-19 medicine sales by CHF 2 billion. Core EPS rose 6%, and the board proposed an increase in dividends to CHF 9.30.
- Group sales up 9% to CHF 62.8 billion.
- Diagnostics Division sales increased by 29% to CHF 17.8 billion.
- Core EPS grew by 6% to CHF 19.81.
- Successful product pipeline with 14 compounds in late-stage development.
- Board proposes a dividend increase to CHF 9.30 for shareholders.
- Pharmaceuticals Division sales saw only a 3% increase, indicating slower growth in competitive markets.
- Sales losses from biosimilars estimated at CHF 2.5 billion for 2022.
- Expected decrease in COVID-19 medicine sales by CHF 2 billion, impacting overall revenue.
Basel, 3 February 2022
- Group sales increase
9% 1 at constant exchange rates (CER);8% in Swiss francs - Pharmaceuticals Division sales increase
3% ; continued strong demand for newly launched medicines more than offsets impact of biosimilars - Diagnostics Division sales grow
29% ; strong momentum in base business and continued high demand for COVID-19 tests - Major approvals for medicines since the last quarter:
United States: Susvimo and Vabysmo (age-related blindness)
Europe: Gavreto (specific type of advanced lung cancer); Actemra/RoActemra (severe COVID-19); Ronapreve (non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients and prophylaxis) - Major approvals for diagnostics since the last quarter:
cobas 5800 (molecular laboratory system); Avenio Edge (sequencing sample preparation system); cobas pulse and cobas infinity edge (digital ecosystem for clinical decision support); additional SARS-CoV-2 tests - Promising pipeline: 16 phase III trials initiated, 14 new compounds in phase III trials or filed for approval
- Repurchase of Roche shares from Novartis completed
- Core earnings per share (EPS) grow
6% (+3% in CHF) - IFRS net income totals CHF 14.9 billion (+
2% ; -1% in CHF) - Board proposes dividend increase to CHF 9.30. If approved by shareholders, this would be the 35th consecutive dividend increase
Outlook 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 recent 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.
Key figures | CHF millions | % change | ||
January - December 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | At CER1 | In CHF |
Group sales | 62,801 | 58,323 | 9 | 8 |
Pharmaceuticals Division | 45,041 | 44,532 | 3 | 1 |
Diagnostics Division | 17,760 | 13,791 | 29 | 29 |
Core operating profit | 21,897 | 21,536 | 4 | 2 |
Core EPS - diluted (CHF) | 19.81 | 19.16 | 6 | 3 |
IFRS net income | 14,935 | 15,068 | 2 | -1 |
CEO Severin Schwan on the full-year results: “We achieved good results in 2021. The demand for our new medicines and diagnostics remains very high. I am particularly pleased with the progress of our product pipeline across several areas, including oncology, vision loss and neurological diseases. Based on our strong product portfolio in both divisions and the promising product pipeline, we are well positioned for future growth.”
Group results
In 2021, Group sales rose
IFRS net income was CHF 14.9 billion. This represents an increase of
In December, Roche completed the CHF 19.0 billion repurchase of Roche shares held by Novartis. This restores Roche’s full strategic flexibility while retaining its operational scope of action.
Pharmaceuticals Division sales increased by
Overall, the medicines launched in the last ten years2 contributed an additional CHF 5.7 billion in new sales.
The impact of competition from biosimilars for the cancer medicines Avastin, Herceptin and MabThera/Rituxan has slowed down as expected (combined CHF 4.5 billion of sales reduction); and the second half of the year saw signs of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the United States, sales decreased by
In Europe, sales grew
In Japan, sales increased by
Sales in the International region grew by
The Diagnostics Division reported strong sales growth of
With sales totalling CHF 4.7 billion, Roche's leading portfolio of COVID-19 tests contributed significantly to the division’s overall sales.
Sales grew strongly across the world: Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
In December, Roche completed its share purchase agreement with long-term partner TIB Molbiol to expand their PCR-test portfolio in the fight against new infectious diseases. TIB Molbiol will continue to operate as a subsidiary within the Diagnostics Division.
Pharmaceuticals: promising pipeline
Oncology remained the primary area of research and development, with the cancer immunotherapy portfolio being a key driver. Ophthalmology, neuroscience and immunology represent other significant areas of late-stage investments. Roche now has 14 new compounds in late-stage development or registration.
Regulatory milestones in the fourth quarter 2021 (incl. January 2022)
Ophthalmology
Neovascular or “wet” age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) affects about 20 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of blindness in people over 60. In October, Roche launched Susvimo in the United States, a first-in-kind therapeutic approach for nAMD. Susvimo is the first and only eye implant with continuous drug delivery – an alternative to frequent eye injections that makes life much easier for people with the condition.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a vision-threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy. In January 2022, the FDA approved Vabysmo for the treatment of nAMD and DME - the first in a new class of eye medicines targeting two key pathways that drive retinal disorders. Vabysmo potentially offers durable vision outcomes with fewer eye injections than the current standard of care.
Oncology
RET gene alterations are key disease drivers in many types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Treatment options for people with RET fusion-positive advanced NSCLC have been limited to date. In November, the European Commission approved Gavreto for the treatment of adults with RET fusion-positive advanced NSCLC. Gavreto is the first and only precision medicine approved in the EU for first-line treatment of people with this specific form of cancer.
Neurosciences
Roche is investigating more than a dozen medicines for neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and rare diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is the leading genetic cause of death in babies. In January 2022, Roche announced that the FDA has granted priority review of a supplemental new drug application for the use of Evrysdi to treat pre-symptomatic babies under two months of age with SMA. Interim data showed that the majority of pre-symptomatic babies treated with Evrysdi for at least one year were able to sit, stand and walk within timeframes typical of healthy babies, as well as maintain swallowing.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more than 5.6 million deaths so far, mostly involving hospitalised patients. While vaccines are mostly effective in preventing hospitalisation, there has been a high medical need for all those who have not been vaccinated or do not respond adequately to vaccines.
In November, Ronapreve was approved in Europe to treat non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients and for prophylaxis of the disease. Data showed that the antibody combination reduces the risk of hospitalisation in certain patients with mild to moderate disease and the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 infections in people exposed to the virus. While analyses have shown that Ronapreve does not retain neutralising activity against the Omicron variant, Ronapreve retains its activity against all other main variants of concern, including Delta. Activity of Ronapreve against potential future variants will be continually assessed.
In December, the European Commission extended the marketing authorisation for Actemra/RoActemra to include the treatment of COVID-19 in adults who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
Key development milestones in the fourth quarter 2021
Oncology
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive blood cancer. In
Follicular lymphoma (FL) accounts for
Latest data for glofitamab and cevostamab also underline the potential of this novel approach (T-cell engaging bispecific antibody immunotherapies) in the treatment of different types of blood cancers.
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for around
Haemophilia A
Haemophilia A is an inherited, serious disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. In December, Roche presented interim results from a phase III study of Hemlibra. The medicine demonstrated a favourable safety profile and effective bleed control in people with moderate or mild haemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors. Hemlibra thus continues to show benefit in additional haemophilia A populations, regardless of severity.
COVID-19
The phase II study on AT-527 did not meet its primary endpoint. After a thorough analysis of the evolving COVID-19 treatment landscape, Roche announced in November that it would be ending its partnership with Atea on the AT-527 programme as of February 2022.
Pharma: Key development milestones 2021 (incl. January 2022)
Compound | Indication | Milestone | |
Regulatory | Xofluza | Influenza: healthy people; high-risk people; post exposure prophylaxis | EU approval |
Evrysdi | Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1/2/3 | EU approval | |
Vabysmo* | Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) | US approval; EU filing | |
Tecentriq | Adjuvant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) | US approval; EU filing | |
Tecentriq | First-line PD-L1-positive NSCLC | EU approval | |
Enspryng | Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) | EU approval | |
Venclexta/Venclyxto + azacitidine | Acute myeloid leukaemia | EU approval | |
Ronapreve* | SARS-CoV-2 | EU approval | |
Susvimo* | nAMD (continuous delivery) | US approval; EU filing | |
Actemra/RoActemra* | COVID-19 pneumonia | EU approval | |
Gavreto* | RET-positive NSCLC | EU approval | |
mosunetuzumab* | Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) | EU filing | |
Phase III / pivotal and other key readouts | Ronapreve | SARS-CoV-2 outpatient | Phase III study 2067 |
Ronapreve | SARS-CoV-2 post-exposure prophylaxis | Phase III study 2069 Phase II/III study 2066 | |
Evrysdi | SMA type 1/2/3 switching study | Phase II RAINBOWFISH | |
tiragolumab + Tecentriq* | PD-L1-positive metastatic NSCLC (PD-L1-high) | Phase II CITYSCAPE | |
Polivy + R-CHP* | First-line diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) | Phase III POLARIX** | |
Hemlibra* | Moderate to mild haemophilia A | Phase III HAVEN 6** |
* Fourth quarter 2021 (incl. January 2022)
** EU application for approval recently submitted
Diagnostics: key launches in the fourth quarter (incl. January 2022)
Diagnostic solutions are the backbone of treatment decisions: Whether it’s cancer, infectious diseases or other serious illnesses, the quest for better solutions to healthcare’s greatest challenges depends on diagnostics.
Diagnostics instruments
Access to reliable and accurate testing solutions is essential. In November, Roche launched the cobas 5800. This compact, fully automated molecular system provides efficiency, simplicity and timely results to laboratories of all sizes so clinicians can quickly determine the best treatment strategies for their patients.
In December, Roche launched the cobas pulse system, the first professional (point of care) blood glucose meter with digital capabilities similar to that of a smartphone. Its Android-based operating system is loaded with industry-leading medical apps that can perform a range of clinically valuable functions – from clinical decision support to the measurement of vital signs and digital biomarkers.
One of the major challenges in using next generation sequencing for diagnosis is the preparation of the samples. DNA is especially complex to prepare for sequencing and this process can be prone to human error. In December, Roche launched the AVENIO Edge System: it helps to simplify and automate next-generation sequencing sample preparation, thus reducing human error.
Digital solutions
Healthcare professionals often face incomplete patient records and data silos across multiple IT systems. In December, Roche launched the NAVIFY Oncology Hub, a new digital solution that securely aggregates and organises patient data from disparate sources. It provides a central workspace where clinicians can quickly and easily access holistic, longitudinal patient data to inform more timely, personalised decisions across the cancer care continuum.
In addition, Roche introduced cobas infinity edge in January 2022. This cloud-based platform brings multiple capabilities together to create an open digital health ecosystem for “point of care” professionals. It enables the sharing of patients' data - from multiple sources - at the right time and place to the right caregivers. The platform connects an array of health status sources such as patients' electronic medical records (EMRs), third-party apps and point-of-care devices (e.g. Roche's new cobas pulse).
Oncology testing
To treat cancer effectively, we must understand what drives it at a molecular level. In October, Roche launched the AVENIO Tumor Tissue CGP Kit to expand access to personalised cancer research. This is the first product developed jointly by Roche and Foundation Medicine (FMI), and the first example of oncology research where scientists have used FMI’s comprehensive genomic profiling in their own laboratories.
Each year, around 340,000 women die from cervical cancer. This preventable cancer is caused by infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). In October, Roche announced the IMPACT clinical trial data showing a clear benefit of the CINtec Plus Cytology test for women at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
Early detection of lung cancer allows for more treatment options. In October, the VENTANA PD-L1 Assay received FDA approval as a companion diagnostic to identify people with non-small cell lung cancer who are eligible for Roche’s cancer immunotherapy Tecentriq.
COVID-19 testing
The pandemic has profoundly raised awareness of the role diagnostics play in disease prevention and management. The spread of the virus, and particularly the emergence of new variants, has heightened the need for reliable, high-quality testing.
In December, Roche’s newly acquired subsidiary TIB Molbiol rapidly developed six new test kits. They help researchers detect mutations in the new Omicron variant and study its spread versus other variants.
Later in December, the FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Antigen Test, which delivers fast, reliable results for infections with SARS-CoV-2 and all known variants, including Omicron.
In January 2022, Roche launched the SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B Rapid Antigen Test in markets accepting the CE mark. The test (with results in 15-30 minutes) is intended for use by healthcare professionals to rapidly differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus A and B infections in people with COVID-19 or influenza symptoms.
Roche has analysed the publicly available sequences of Omicron and concluded that all of Roche PCR tests correctly identify SARS-CoV-2, including the Omicron variant.
Pharmaceuticals sales
Sales | CHF millions | As % of sales | % change | ||||||||||||||
January - December 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | At CER | In CHF | |||||||||||
Pharmaceuticals Division | 45,041 | 44,532 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||
United States | 22,505 | 23,647 | 50.0 | 53.1 | -2 | -5 | |||||||||||
Europe | 8,876 | 8,198 | 19.7 | 18.4 | 7 | 8 | |||||||||||
Japan | 4,506 | 3,765 | 10.0 | 8.5 | 26 | 20 | |||||||||||
International* | 9,154 | 8,922 | 20.3 | 20.0 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||||
*Asia–Pacific, EEMEA (Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa), Latin America, Canada, others | |||||||||||||||||
Top-selling pharmaceuticals | Total | United States | Europe | Japan | International* | ||||||||||||
CHFm | % | CHFm | % | CHFm | % | CHFm | % | CHFm | % | ||||||||
Ocrevus | 5,055 | 19 | 3,777 | 14 | 916 | 34 | - | - | 362 | 50 | |||||||
Perjeta | 3,955 | 4 | 1,416 | -1 | 1,112 | -4 | 268 | -4 | 1,159 | 24 | |||||||
Actemra/RoActemra | 3,562 | 27 | 1,761 | 49 | 915 | 15 | 382 | 10 | 504 | 5 | |||||||
Tecentriq | 3,315 | 24 | 1,688 | 11 | 713 | 22 | 518 | 66 | 396 | 53 | |||||||
Avastin | 3,056 | -37 | 922 | -47 | 430 | -66 | 674 | -1 | 1,030 | -15 | |||||||
Hemlibra | 3,022 | 41 | 1,815 | 34 | 609 | 61 | 365 | 23 | 233 | 102 | |||||||
Herceptin | 2,694 | -28 | 636 | -52 | 544 | -19 | 82 | -38 | 1,432 | -9 | |||||||
MabThera/Rituxan | 2,565 | -38 | 1,552 | -44 | 268 | -30 | 42 | -30 | 703 | -24 | |||||||
Kadcyla | 1,982 | 16 | 813 | 4 | 687 | 21 | 130 | 53 | 352 | 29 | |||||||
Xolair | 1,942 | 5 | 1,942 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
Ronapreve | 1,630 | - | - | - | 727 | - | 645 | - | 258 | - | |||||||
Alecensa | 1,356 | 18 | 366 | 10 | 297 | 11 | 247 | 8 | 446 | 40 | |||||||
Lucentis | 1,353 | -4 | 1,353 | -4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
Activase/TNKase | 1,312 | 2 | 1,255 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 57 | 5 | |||||||
Esbriet | 1,039 | -5 | 732 | -4 | 269 | 0 | - | - | 38 | -28 | |||||||
* Asia–Pacific, EEMEA (Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa), Latin America, Canada, others |
Pharmaceuticals: established products
Actemra/RoActemra (CHF 3.6 billion, +
Avastin (CHF 3.1 billion, -
Herceptin (CHF 2.7 billion, -
MabThera/Rituxan (CHF 2.6 billion, -
Xolair (CHF 1.9 billion, +
Pharmaceuticals: medicines launched since 2012
Ocrevus (first approved in 2017; CHF 5.1 billion, +
Perjeta (first approved in 2012; CHF 4.0 billion, +
Tecentriq (first approved in 2016; CHF 3.3 billion, +
Hemlibra (first approved in 2017; CHF 3.0 billion, +
Kadcyla (first approved in 2013; CHF 2.0 billion, +
Ronapreve (first approved in 2021; CHF 1.6 billion3). Antibody combination for the 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 for the United States. The uptake has been strong, mainly in Japan and Europe.
Alecensa (first approved in 2015; CHF 1.4 billion, +
Esbriet (first approved in 2014; CHF 1.0 billion, -
Gazyva/Gazyvaro (first approved in 2013; CHF 678 million, +
Evrysdi (first approved in 2020; CHF 602 million, >
Phesgo (first approved in 2020; CHF 340 million, >
Erivedge (first approved in 2012; CHF 269 million, -
Polivy (first approved in 2019; CHF 247 million, +
Enspryng (first approved in 2020; CHF 107 million, >
Rozlytrek (first approved in 2019; CHF 49 million, +
Susvimo (first approved in 2021; CHF 1.0 million3). Eye implant with continuous drug delivery for nAMD treatment.
Diagnostics sales
Sales | CHF millions | As % of sales | % change | |||
January - December 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | At CER | In CHF |
Diagnostics Division | 17,760 | 13,791 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 29 | 29 |
Customer Areas | ||||||
Core Lab | 7,473 | 6,194 | 42.1 | 44.9 | 21 | 21 |
Molecular Lab | 4,812 | 3,760 | 27.1 | 27.3 | 29 | 28 |
Point of Care | 2,583 | 1,079 | 14.5 | 7.8 | 138 | 139 |
Diabetes Care | 1,690 | 1,670 | 9.5 | 12.1 | 3 | 1 |
Pathology Lab | 1,202 | 1,088 | 6.8 | 7.9 | 12 | 10 |
Regions | ||||||
Europe, Middle East, Africa | 7,537 | 5,491 | 42.4 | 39.5 | 37 | 37 |
North America | 4,369 | 3,867 | 24.6 | 28.4 | 16 | 13 |
Asia–Pacific | 4,756 | 3,645 | 26.8 | 26.4 | 29 | 30 |
Latin America | 1,098 | 788 | 6.2 | 5.7 | 48 | 39 |
Core Lab. Focuses on central labs; provides diagnostics solutions in the areas of immunoassays, clinical chemistry and custom biotech. Sales increased by
Molecular Lab. Focuses on molecular labs; provides diagnostics solutions for pathogen detection and monitoring, donor screening, sexual health and genomics. Sales grew
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
Diabetes Care. Focuses on integrated personalised diabetes management for people with diabetes and healthcare professionals. Sales increased
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
About Roche
Founded in1896 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.
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 2020) and all total figures quoted are reported in CHF.
[2] Launches since 2012: Erivedge, Perjeta, Kadcyla, Gazyva/Gazyvaro, Esbriet, Cotellic, Alecensa, Tecentriq, Ocrevus, Hemlibra, Xofluza, Polivy, Rozlytrek, Phesgo, Enspryng, Evrysdi, Gavreto, Ronapreve, Susvimo
[3] recently approved; no growth figures available
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.
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