Roche Group witnessed a 2% increase in sales at constant exchange rates (CER), though a 6% decline was noted in Swiss francs (CHF), attributed to the appreciation of the Swiss franc against most currencies.

Group Sales Overview

The Pharmaceuticals Division experienced a 7% growth in the base business, driven by robust sales of severe disease medicines, while the Diagnostics Division saw an 8% increase in the base business, propelled by demand for immunodiagnostic products and clinical chemistry tests.

Highlights

• US approvals for Xolair (food allergies) and Alecensa (early-stage lung cancer).
• Positive phase III data for Xolair, Columvi (blood cancer), and Ocrevus subcutaneous injection (multiple sclerosis).
• US approval for the first molecular test to screen for malaria in blood donors.
• US Breakthrough Device Designation for a blood test to support earlier Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.

Outlook for 2024

Roche expects mid-single-digit growth in Group sales at constant exchange rates for 2024 and confirms its outlook. Core earnings per share are targeted to develop broadly in line with sales growth.

Sales Figures

In the first quarter of 2024, Group sales increased by 2% at CER to CHF 14.4 billion, excluding the anticipated decline in COVID-19-related sales and biosimilar/generic erosion.

Pharmaceuticals Division

The division's base business grew by 7%, driven by newer medicines, with Vabysmo leading the growth. Sales in the United States increased by 5%, while Europe saw an 11% growth.

Diagnostics Division

The base business of the Diagnostics Division grew by 8%, with significant growth in immunodiagnostic products. COVID-19 test sales declined as expected.

Sales Growth by Region

Sales growth was reported across regions, with Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) growing by 2%, while Asia-Pacific grew by 1%. North America recorded a decline of 1%.

Data Source: https://assets.roche.com/f/176343/x/cbba56da34/irp240424-a.pdf