DKSH is stepping up its global pharmaceutical ambitions with the acquisition of the rights to Rocephin (ceftriaxone), a long-established antibiotic brand, across more than 80 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

 

The acquisition marks another significant push by DKSH Healthcare to expand its Own Brands portfolio, strengthening its position in the higher-value pharmaceutical segment with established products backed by strong brand recognition and proven market demand.

 

Originally developed by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, Rocephin has been a mainstay in clinical practice for decades. The broad-spectrum, third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic contains ceftriaxone, an active ingredient included in the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines. Its longstanding clinical use and strong physician familiarity give the brand an established position in the global anti-infectives market.

 

The brand generated approximately CHF 61 million in net sales in 2025, underlining its commercial significance. Several of its larger markets also overlap with DKSH’s existing commercial footprint across Asia and Europe. The company is already a commercialization partner for Rocephin in certain markets, providing an established platform for the expanded business.

 

The latest deal follows DKSH’s acquisition of Meliane from Bayer, announced in July 2026, and signals the company's continued focus on building a portfolio of established pharmaceutical brands with resilient demand and strong brand equity.

 

Patrik Grande, Head Business Unit Healthcare at DKSH, stated: “Rocephin is an antibiotic that physicians have relied on for decades, and is a brand with strong Swiss roots. Its acquisition marks another milestone in our Own Brands strategy and further strengthens our position in anti-infectives. With DKSH’s commercial reach and pharmaceutical capabilities, we will ensure continuity for patients and partners across the acquired markets, while creating value for our shareholders.”

 

With the Rocephin acquisition, DKSH is strengthening its foothold in the global pharmaceutical market, leveraging its commercial reach and healthcare capabilities to expand an established brand across a geographically diverse portfolio of markets.