ROCHE HOLDING LTD S/ADR - RHHBY STOCK NEWS

Roche's wholly owned subsidiary, Geronimo Acquisition Corp., has successfully completed its tender offer for GenMark Diagnostics, acquiring approximately 61.2 million shares (82.89% of total shares) at USD 24.05 per share. The tender offer expired on April 21, 2021, and Roche will merge Geronimo Acquisition Corp. with GenMark without a stockholder vote. Following the merger, GenMark will become a wholly owned Roche subsidiary, and its shares will cease trading on NASDAQ. Roche aims to enhance its molecular diagnostics portfolio with GenMark's technology to combat infectious diseases.

Roche reported a 3% rise in group sales (CHF 14.9 billion) for Q1 2021, driven by a robust 55% increase in the Diagnostics Division, largely due to COVID-19 testing. However, the Pharmaceuticals Division faced a 9% decline in sales (CHF 10.6 billion), primarily due to biosimilar competition, notably a CHF 1.6 billion reduction linked to established cancer treatments. The company confirmed its 2021 outlook, emphasizing the successful launch of new medicines and strong phase III trial results for Tecentriq and faricimab.

Roche's OCREVUS® demonstrates promising results in managing multiple sclerosis (MS), as revealed in recent analyses presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting. The open-label Phase IIIb ENSEMBLE study showed that 85% of treatment-naïve, early-stage relapsing-remitting MS patients achieved no evidence of disease activity. Additionally, post-hoc analysis from the Phase III ORATORIO study indicated that OCREVUS significantly slowed T2 lesion accumulation in primary progressive MS. Moreover, a U.S. claims analysis highlighted high adherence and persistence rates for OCREVUS compared to other therapies.

Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) released new data from the FIREFISH study, showing significant improvements in infants with Type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treated with Evrysdi over 24 months. Key findings include:

• 61% of infants could sit unsupported for 5 seconds after 24 months.
• Improvement in survival rates: 93% alive after 24 months and 83% free from permanent ventilation.
• Consistent safety profile with common adverse events being upper respiratory tract infections.

The study's findings highlight Evrysdi's transformative potential in treating SMA.

Roche has received FDA approval for Xolair® (omalizumab) prefilled syringes for self-injection. This approval allows suitable patients to administer their treatment from home, enhancing flexibility and convenience, particularly for high-risk individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Xolair targets immunoglobulin E (IgE) and is used for moderate to severe allergic asthma, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and nasal polyps. Since its launch in 2003, around 460,000 patients have been treated with Xolair in the U.S.

Genentech has received FDA approval for the Xolair^® (omalizumab) prefilled syringe, allowing self-injection for all approved indications in the U.S. This biologic treats moderate to severe allergic asthma, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and nasal polyps. Patients will have the flexibility to administer the drug at home, provided they have no prior history of anaphylaxis. Approximately 460,000 patients have been treated with Xolair since its 2003 launch, supported by a strong clinical development program, including 10 Phase III studies.

Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) announced positive results from the phase III REGN-COV 2069 trial for the investigational antibody cocktail casirivimab and imdevimab, demonstrating an 81% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 infections among uninfected household contacts.

For recently infected asymptomatic patients, the treatment reduced the risk of progressing to symptomatic COVID-19 by 31%. The trial included 1,505 participants, with results indicating shorter symptom duration and no new safety concerns. Detailed findings will be presented to regulatory authorities like the FDA and EMA.

Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) will present significant data at the 73rd American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, highlighting advancements in treatments for neurological disorders. Notable findings include:

• EVRYSDI shows improved motor function in infants with Type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
• OCREVUS demonstrates consistent benefits in multiple sclerosis.
• ENSPRYNG reinforces efficacy for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
• Fenebrutinib shows a promising safety profile for multiple sclerosis.
• Additional presentations cover Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease research.

Roche has launched the Elecsys Anti-p53 immunoassay to aid in diagnosing throat, bowel, and breast cancers. This test helps detect anti-p53 antibodies, which can indicate cancer presence, and is now available in CE Mark markets. According to the company, early diagnosis may lead to improved patient outcomes. The Elecsys Anti-p53 assay, utilizing advanced ECLIA technology, aims to complement existing diagnostic methods. Roche remains committed to enhancing cancer diagnostics and treatment options.