Roche Bets On Data Generation And AI Independence To Strengthen Drug Development
(RTTNews) - Roche Holding AG (RHHBY) outlined plans to expand the use of artificial intelligence across its research operations, highlighting data generation and AI independence as key drivers of future competitive advantage in pharmaceutical development.
At its Pharma Day 2026 event, Roche said it is building autonomous AI-driven laboratories designed to accelerate drug discovery and research productivity. The company believes generating high-quality proprietary data and maintaining greater control over its AI capabilities will be critical to improving research outcomes and decision-making.
According to Aviv Regev, Head of Genentech Research and Early Development, Roche is committed to "AI independence" in research and development and has already begun developing autonomous AI labs.
The company said artificial intelligence is already playing a growing role in its pipeline decisions. About 40% of pipeline decisions made between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026 included a tracked AI or computational contribution. Roche expects its AI platform, Target Nexus, to contribute to 80% of research portfolio decisions by the end of 2026.
Roche also reported progress in research efficiency, noting that its Phase 3 clinical trial success rate has risen to more than 80% in 2026 year-to-date from 65% in 2025. The company has shortened research and development cycle times and is reinvesting savings into productivity initiatives and innovation programs.
As part of its long-term strategy, Roche aims to bring up to 20 new molecular entities with launch potential to market by 2030. The company recently opened its Boston Innovation Center, which will focus in part on applications of AI and machine learning in drug development.
Roche said it remains on track for Target Nexus to support 80% of research portfolio decisions by the end of 2026 and continues to develop autonomous AI-driven laboratory capabilities designed to enhance drug discovery and development efficiency.
RHHBY has traded between $40.05 and $60.85 over the past year. The stock closed Monday's trading at $53.37, down 1.98%.
