A study showed that Roche's breast cancer drug Avastin increased life expectancy in patients without exacerbating the disease.
Avastin has been approved for use with kidney cancer by the FDA. Revenues for the drug are consequently expected to increase by 300-500M CHF. [1]
Roche reported a sharp rise in revenues in the first half of 2009 (vs. first half 2008), aided by strong sales of Tamiflu in the wake of the swine flu epidemic. Sales are expected to stay strong through year end, with total revenues from the drug expected at 2 billion CHF. Net income was down, though this was largely attributable to special charges related to the complete buyout of Genentech earlier this year.
Fears of a global outbreak of swine influenza have grown as more cases are discovered throughout the world. Roche's Tamiflu influenza treatment/vaccine is one of the most advanced, in demand treatments available for the disease.
Roche completed its $47B buyout of Genentech today