Roche response to COVID-19 pandemic

Basel, 24 March 2020 - Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today provided an update on the various actions the company is taking to address the COVID-19 pandemic.Roche initiates global phase III study and collects data on Actemra ’s potential utility in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patientsOn March 19, 2020, Roche confirmed initiation of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a part of the US Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The study, COVACTA, will evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous Actemra ®/RoActemra® (tocilizumab) on top of standard of care in hospitalised adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia compared to placebo on top of standard of care. This is the first global study of Actemra/RoActemra in this setting. In addition to the Roche trial, Roche is also carefully following independently-led clinical trials, on multiple medicines including Actemra, that are taking place around the world. At the moment, there are no robust, well-controlled studies showing safety and efficacy of Actemra in clinical treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia, and Actemra is not currently approved for this use.Actemra Manufacturing and Supply Despite some of the supply and logistics challenges due to COVID-19, Roche has been able to continue to deliver life-saving medicines to patients around...
Source: Roche Investor Update - Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news