Roche announces plan to strengthen research and development

Roche has announced the launch of a new operating model for its activities in research and development worldwide, with a new structure built around a number of disease biology areas (DBAs).

Each DBA will correspond to a specific therapeutic field and encompass all activities, from strategic marketing to research and development. The five therapeutic fields covered by the DBAs are oncology, virology, inflammation, metabolism and central nervous system.

This model aims to ensure that Roche’s research and development operation is adequately equipped to meet its requirements by increasing the pace and simplifying the decision-making procedure, increasing efficiencies in the translation of research into pharmaceutical products.

Franz B Humer, chairman and chief executive officer of Roche, said: “Innovation and the creativity of our people will remain the basis of our success. We have significantly increased our investments in R&D over past years and will continue to do so.”

He added that the merging of existing knowledge in the company under DBAs will enhance the conditions for bringing research products to the point where products can be launched in order to better benefit doctors and patients.

In December 2006, Roche announced an expansion of its Board of Directors to elect two additional members and a change in its corporate executive committee to promote younger managers into important positions during 2007.