Roche has reported a strong first half of 2026, with group sales rising 6% at constant exchange rates, driven by robust demand for innovative medicines and diagnostics.

 

The Swiss healthcare giant posted sales of CHF 30.4 billion for the first six months of the year. However, reported sales fell 2% in Swiss francs due to the significant appreciation of the currency, while sales increased 8% in US dollar terms.

 

Roche’s Pharmaceuticals Division delivered 6% growth at constant exchange rates, reaching CHF 23.6 billion, powered by continued demand for key growth brands including Xolair, Hemlibra, Ocrevus, Phesgo and Vabysmo. The company’s top five growth drivers generated combined sales of CHF 11 billion, up 12% at constant exchange rates.

 

The Diagnostics Division also continued its upward trajectory, with sales rising 3% at constant exchange rates to CHF 6.7 billion, supported by strong demand for immunodiagnostics, clinical chemistry products, pathology solutions and molecular technologies.

 

Core operating profit increased 10% at constant exchange rates to CHF 11.9 billion, while core earnings per share climbed 9% at constant exchange rates. Reported IFRS operating profit declined 6% in Swiss francs, reflecting currency headwinds.

 

Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker said: "Our strong momentum continued in the first half of the year, driven by a 6% sales increase at constant exchange rates and significant positive pipeline development.

 

"We reported positive phase III data for divarasib, reinforcing its potential as a best-in-class therapy in advanced lung cancer. Our regulatory momentum accelerated significantly as the US FDA granted five Priority Reviews: giredestrant in early-stage breast cancer, Enspryng in thyroid eye disease, Tecentriq in colon cancer and Gazyva/Gazyvaro in two autoimmune kidney diseases.

 

"In Diagnostics, we reached major milestones with the launch of our transformative, highly cost-effective Axelios 1 sequencing solution, alongside EU CE mark for key diagnostic tests, including the Elecsys pTau217 blood test for Alzheimer’s pathology and the Elecsys IGRA TB blood test, which delivers automated, scalable latent tuberculosis screening to laboratories worldwide.

 

The company also received US acceptance of supplemental applications for the Lunsumio and Polivy combination in relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, as well as Gazyva/Gazyvaro in systemic lupus erythematosus.

 

Roche reported encouraging clinical progress across several areas, including positive phase III results for divarasib in lung cancer, promising data for fenebrutinib in multiple sclerosis, and advances in obesity medicines enicepatide (CT-388) and petrelintide.

 

Roche launched Axelios 1, a next-generation sequencing platform based on its SBX technology, positioning the company to expand high-speed DNA sequencing capabilities.

 

The company also secured EU CE marks for two diagnostic tests: Elecsys pTau217, designed to detect Alzheimer’s pathology through blood testing, and Elecsys IGRA TB, which identifies latent tuberculosis infection.

 

In oncology diagnostics, Roche received US approval for the Ventana PTEN (SP218) RxDx Assay, the first companion diagnostic designed to measure levels of a key protein in prostate cancer.

 

Roche confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting group sales growth in the mid-single-digit range at constant exchange rates. Core earnings per share are projected to grow in the high-single-digit range, also at constant exchange rates.