Article

Shaping the future of neurology diagnostics

Changing lives through pioneering science

With patients as our inspiration, we push the boundaries of science to introduce innovative solutions focused on reducing the burden of neurological diseases through early detection and diagnosis.

Our focus

Changing lives has been the driving force behind our pioneering science. Today, we respond to the rising sense of urgency to advance science for the fastest growing societal burden—neurodegenerative disorders. We are at the forefront, with the science, scale, throughput and power to develop standardized solutions able to move from the research realm to real-world use as IVDs for the patients who so desperately need them. We have a bold end-to-end vision, and we value those who work with us to realize it. The challenges ahead are enormous for society as a whole, and the only path forward is through powerful partnerships, in both academic and industry, that fuel the innovations that can change the lives of patients with neurodegenerative diseases, both today and in the future

Patients have always been our inspiration. Changing lives has been the driving force behind our pioneering science—the innovative biomarkers focused on reducing the burden of disease through early detection and diagnosis. Today, we respond to the rising sense of urgency to advance science for the fastest growing societal burden—neurodegenerative disorders. These are the disorders that create a trajectory of loss for patients—whether it’s memory or function—emotionally and economically impacting everyone who surrounds them. The devastating impact of adult cognitive diseases, of which a primary focus is Alzheimer’s, as well as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries and so many other neurological disorders, has personally touched many of us, creating a critical catalyst that urges us forward.

At Roche Diagnostics, we are determined to play a pivotal role in the management of neurological diseases through innovation that enables timely action. Early detection and a differential diagnosis are the keys to getting the right therapies to the right patients at the right time, stopping that trajectory of loss in its tracks. Protecting each individual’s independence by preserving the neurons that allow it. We are at the forefront, with the science, scale, throughput and power to develop standardized solutions able to move from the research realm to real-world use for the patients who so desperately need them. We focus on Alzheimer’s disease today, but our portfolio goals for tomorrow are ever-expanding. We have already come far, bringing confirmatory testing for patients with Alzheimer’s with our Elecsys® IVD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assays, the FDA breakthrough device designation of our Elecsys® Amyloid Plasma Panel blood-based biomarker test for early detection of Alzheimer’s, as well as the promise of our neurofilament light (NfL) assay as a potential way to accelerate the detection of neurodegenerative diseases. We are firmly committed to researching and developing the global solutions that will help clinicians find defining and differential answers in the vast and complex arena of neurology.

Roche has always had a combined strength in pharma and diagnostics, with an unparalleled promise of quality. We are proud of this quality and the trust our customers have in us. Though our reputation is one of risk averse, it’s also one of “if it’s Roche, it’s reliable.” We will not jeopardize that—quality and trust are long-proven pillars that support the Roche Diagnostics purpose of bringing IVDs to the patients whose very futures rely on them.

At Roche Diagnostics, we understand the power of partnership. We have a bold end-to-end vision, and we value those who work with us to realize it. The challenges ahead are enormous for society and health as a whole, and the only path forward is through a collective collaboration where data and ideas can be safely shared in a unified effort toward the common goal. The traditional silos of only working from within will not get us there. The Roche NeuroTool Kit (NTK), is a cutting-edge proof statement that going together gets us further. Through a combined effort between academia and industry, the NTK sets the foundation upon which differential diagnostics and personalized therapeutics will be built. We at Roche Diagnostics are proud of this groundbreaking path to the future, and even more proud of the partnerships that have made it possible.

 

As we continue to explore, to expand, and to embrace the power of trusted partnerships both within and beyond Roche, this is our promise: To be bold. To be passionate. To pioneer with all of our scientific acumen the life-changing innovations that enable early detection. To follow the path of our vision. To provide our expertise to help preserve in patients what makes them who they are. Because life-changing therapies are coming—and Roche will be ready.

References

  1. Agamanolis D et al. (2016) Available at: neuropathology-web.org/chapter9/chapter9bAD.html