Roche says dividend policy remains the same

Roche has said its dividend policy will remain unchanged.

The company’s comments follow a report in the Financial Times, which said the Swiss drugmaker was considering foregoing such payments, in order to finance its takeover of Genentech.

The newspaper report also noted Genentech had rejected the current offer as too low.

Roche went on to repeat in its statement made that it plans to increase its dividend each year, over the next three.

Last month, the company said its MabThera treatment inhibits the destruction of joints in patients who have early rheumatoid arthritis.

The comments followed a phase III study in patients who had not been treated with methotrexate, which found the product reached its primary endpoint.

Results from the Image study showed a one year initiating treatment in conjunction with MTX showed a reduction in the rate of the debilitating condition.

Speaking at the time, William Burns, chief executive officer of the company’s pharmaceuticals division, said: “Results ? show that MabThera has the potential to alter the course of rheumatoid arthritis by preventing the early damage to joints which ultimately causes deformity.”

He added: “These pivotal findings add support for the early use of MabThera.”