2_2_DiscoverGermany_June2014_Issue15:Scan Magazine 1
15/5/14
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Page 38
Roche strives to make a difference in the lives of millions of people The Swiss company F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Roche Group) is the epitome of cutting-edge science to improve people’s lives around the world. At the heart of this mission to advance health, people, and society at large, lies a unique symbiosis of cross-border and cross-discipline research and development. TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE | PHOTOS: ROCHE GROUP
From its humble beginnings over 118 years ago to being one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical and healthcare firms today, Roche has always stayed true to its innovative and pioneering spirit. Founded in Switzerland in 1896 by Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche, Roche’s growth and success has been driven by the company’s ability to bring products and medical breakthroughs to the market. Roche’s focus today is on pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. The company develops, produces and supplies products for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases.
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Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and neuroscience. Also, Roche is the world leader in in vitro diagnostics (IVD) and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. "During the 115-plus years of its existence, Roche has pioneered many medical breakthroughs. Our Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics Divisions’ products play a major role in improving patients’ quality of life,” says Dr. Severin Schwan, CEO of Roche.
Providing healthcare worldwide Roche is a truly global company that employs more than 85,000 people across 150 countries. The company’s success has been profoundly shaped by the globalisation of its products, research, workforce and manufacturing. At the same time, Roche maintains strong roots in Switzerland. The global headquarters are still located in Basel, Switzerland, where over 9,000 people work. More than 2,000 people are employed at Roche Diagnostics’ site in Rotkreuz, in the Canton of Zug. Roche has been making important contributions to global health for more than a century. Twenty-four medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organisation Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and chemotherapy.