Roche Confident in Drug Pipeline, 2030 Growth Outlook; Development of Obesity Drug Candidate Ceased

10:11 AM EDT, 09/28/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Roche (RO.SW) expressed confidence in its drug pipeline and growth outlook for 2030 and beyond at its Pharma Day 2026, noting that it has advanced six new promising molecular entities into late-stage studies since the prior year, including last week's decision to advance its oral CT-996 for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment into phase 3. At the investor event held Monday, Teresa Graham, chief executive officer of Roche's Pharmaceuticals division, touted the Swiss drugmaker's "tremendous" progress with regard to its portfolio of new molecular entities, or NMEs. The group now has up to 20 NMEs with a potential launch by 2030, compared with the previously expected 19, with two recent additions to the portfolio being Tam-Peli in small cell and nonsmall cell lung cancer, and VEGF x IL6 DutaFab in diabetic macular edema. "We actually have the highest value pipeline that we have ever had at Roche today. And that is because fundamentally we are focused on areas that we believe can make the biggest impact to global health," Graham said during a presentation. The group expects its on-market pharma portfolio to provide growth through the end of the decade, with Graham noting the absence of a patent cliff ahead, either up to 2030 or beyond. Among the drugs in the portfolio highlighted by Graham were Gazyva in immunology; giredestrant in breast cancer, expected to be launched by the end of 2026; and fenebrutinib in relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis, anticipated to be launched in early 2027. Looking further ahead, Roche sees six more potential launches by the end of 2027, including divarasib in second-line nonsmall cell lung cancer, vamikibart in uveitic macular edema, sefaxersen in IgA nephropathy, and afimkibart in ulcerative colitis. Also included in this list is Enspryng in two new indications: thyroid eye disease and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, which Graham noted to be "generating a lot of excitement in the neurology community." "But our confidence in this growth outlook is really based on two critical things: One is the strength of the pipeline, but the second is our confidence in our ability to deliver that pipeline where it matters, and that's the patients," Graham added. Meanwhile, Graham said Roche recently decided to cease the development of emugrobart in obesity, based on a "thoughtful look" through the interim Gyminda results amid doubts that it will have the potential to reach the target product profile the company had in place for it. "We are returning that molecule to Chugai [Pharmaceutical], and Chugai is looking at further development in [spinal muscular atrophy] as well considering potential out-licensing opportunities," Graham said.