Roche
(
RHHBY
) recently announced that it has received approval from the US
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a next-generation viral
load test.
The test uses a novel dual-probe approach and thereby provides an
extra layer of protection in detecting and quantifying the
hepatitis C virus (HCV). The test can precisely determine the
level of hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid (RNA), which in turn
determines a patient's response to antiviral therapy. Hence, the
test enables better management of patients with chronic HCV
infection.
Roche plans to ship the new HCV viral load test kit in the US
shortly. In 2012, Roche launched HCV II, an immunoassay to detect
hepatitis C infections. The new HCV viral test is part of Roche's
diagnostic tests to diagnose hepatitis C infection.
We note that Roche's Diagnostics Division had launched several
new instruments and devices in 2012 to enable advances in lab
automation, near patient testing and diabetes management along
with expanding oncology, virology and metabolic test menus.
We note that Roche has received encouraging news regarding its
oncology drugs over the last month. In Feb 2013, the FDA approved
Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine or T-DM1) for the treatment of
patients suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
(mBC).
A few days back the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved
Perjeta (pertuzumab) as a combination therapy for the treatment
of adults with previously untreated HER2-positive mBC. The FDA
had approved Perjeta plus Herceptin and docetaxel chemotherapy
for treating HER2-positive mBC in patients in Jun 2012.
We are positive on the recent developments at Roche. Roche
currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Pharma stocks, which
currently look well placed, include
Novo Nordisk
(
NVO
),
Lilly Eli & Co
(
LLY
) and
Shire plc
(
SHPG
). All three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
LILLY ELI & CO (LLY): Free Stock Analysis
Report
NOVO-NORDISK AS (NVO): Free Stock Analysis
Report
ROCHE HLDG LTD (RHHBY): Get Free Report
SHIRE PLC-ADR (SHPG): Free Stock Analysis
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