SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

Roche response to COVID-19 pandemic

Roche Group has provided an update on the various actions the company is taking to address the COVID-19 pandemic

24 Mar 2020
Diane Li
Assistant Editor

Industry news

Roche response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Roche accelerates delivery and production of Actemra
  • Roche is working around the clock to increase availability of COVID 19-tests
  • Roche calls on governments across the world to work closely with industry to keep manufacturing and supply running

Roche initiates global phase III study and collects data on Actemra’s potential utility in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients

On 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 the world, thanks to the resilience of its global network. Currently, we continue to see limited disruption, and are continually monitoring the situation.

With the announcement of new clinical trials, and a potential increase in demand for Actemra, Roche is working urgently to accelerate manufacturing capacity to maximize production of Actemra wherever possible with the goal of increasing available supply globally. While Roche is ensuring a coordinated, global overview of additional supply requests, provision of medicines is managed on a country level according to local rules and regulations and in close collaboration with the authorities.

Cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test to detect the novel virus that causes COVID-19 disease

As a leader in diagnostics, Roche is committed to providing testing solutions for the world’s most challenging healthcare emergencies. On March 12, 2020, Roche received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test to detect the novel virus that causes COVID-19 disease. The test is also available in markets accepting the CE mark.

Roche is committed to delivering as many tests as possible within the limits of supply and delivering its coronavirus tests to areas where they can be immediately effective. Tests will be shipped from Roche’s production sites to locations where appropriate infrastructure is in place and testing can begin without delay.

At the current maximum production rate, Roche can supply millions of tests per month on the cobas 6800/8800 instruments and on the MagnaPure / Lightcycler solution. Roche is working around the clock to increase that quantity as the company recognises the importance of patients having access to these critical tests.

To safeguard supply, Roche strongly advises to focus COVID-19 testing on patients with signs and symptoms of the disease, not broad testing of the healthy population.

Industry, governments and society must work together to tackle this pandemic

Roche is committed to doing all we can to ensure adequate supply of our medicines and tests during this pandemic, but we cannot do it alone. Roche is calling on governments across the world to work closely with industry to keep manufacturing and supply running, and to help us meet demand across the globe.

  • Ensure the free flow of vital goods across national borders to keep manufacturing and supply running;
  • Consider pragmatic temporary adjustments to regulations on packaging, reviews,
    customs etc, to expedite delivery of urgently needed medical supplies;
  • Work together across governments internationally, in order to balance global needs.

Want more of the latest science news straight to your inbox? Become a member of SelectScience for free today>>

Related products

Request Quote for All Products

Tags

AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Respiratory InfectionsRespiratory infections are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. It is important to identify respiratory infections quickly in patients to ensure appropriate treatment and care, and to prevent sepsis. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best tools for respiratory infection detection, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.VirusesViruses are microscopic pathogens that require a host cell to replicate. Understanding their structure, replication cycle, and impact on the immune system is crucial in developing effective treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic methods. Research continues to focus on emerging viral diseases and antiviral drug discovery. Explore solutions for virus research, detection, and treatment in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Clinical StudyProspective biomedical or behavioral research studies on human subjects, following tests in animals, that are designed to answer specific questions about novel vaccines, drugs, treatments, dietary supplements, devices or new ways of using known interventions, generating safety and efficacy data.CoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Research into the biology, transmission, and treatment of coronaviruses has become a global priority, particularly since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the virus�s structure and behavior is essential for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral treatments. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the latest research tools, diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments for coronavirus, compare products, read reviews, and receive pricing directly from manufacturers.Covid-19COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis with profound impacts on societies and economies. Research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and understanding viral mechanisms continues to evolve. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, including novel vaccine platforms and rapid testing technologies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find top COVID-19 testing kits, research tools, vaccines, and treatments, compare products, read reviews, and receive direct pricing from manufacturers.Infectious DiseasesInfectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Effective detection, prevention, and treatment are crucial to control outbreaks and improve public health. Diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antimicrobial treatments are essential components of managing these diseases. Research into emerging pathogens and resistance patterns continues to evolve. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diagnostic tools, prevention solutions, and treatment options; compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

Related articles