Roche Keeps Outlook Despite Missing Vabysmo Sales Target
Roche confirmed its outlook for 2026 despite missing analyst expectations on sales of its blockbuster eye drug Vabysmo in the first half of the year. The Swiss drugmaker's group sales fell by 2% to 30.36 billion Swiss francs ($37.34 billion) at constant exchange rates, but rose 6% in that same timeframe.
The company said it expects a 'zero effect' from currencies in the second half of the year, with Chief Executive Thomas Schinecker stating this should have no impact on its outlook for growth in adjusted earnings per share and sales. Roche's operating profit rose by 10% at constant exchange rates to 11.86 billion Swiss francs.
The company is preparing for the launch of several new medicines, including giredestrant for breast cancer, which is expected to be approved by the end of the year. This comes as Roche's top-selling multiple sclerosis drug Ocrevus and haemophilia shot Hemlibra grew 7% and 11%, respectively.
The company's diagnostic sales in China were impacted by pricing reforms, falling 24% in the first half. However, Roche said this impact should ease later in the year.