For the first half of 2012, Roche's diagnostics arm generated mixed results: Great news for professional diagnostics equipment and gene- and tissue-based tests, but disappointing results for the company's staple diabetes products.
The Indianapolis-based division of Swiss drug giant Roche ($RHHBY) saw sales grow overall by 5% for the first half of the year to nearly $1.4 billion, the Indianapolis Business Journal reports. About $511 million of that came from sales of professional diagnostics equipment, a 9% rise. Gene and tissue-based tests also boosted their sales to $213 million and $210 million, respectively, representing 6% and 12% increases.
Diabetes products, on the other hand, fell short. The line, which includes blood glucose monitors, test strips and insulin pumps experienced a 1% sales decline, to approximately $296 million, according to the story. Roche's Indianapolis campus, which employs 2,900 people, is committing $300 million over the next 10 years to expand its headquarters there.
One of the expansion plans may help propel better sales: a $70 million commercial education center where Roche will train people how to use its diabetes test kits and other products. The company is also working to refresh some of its diabetes products. Last week, Roche Diagnostics gained FDA clearance of its Accu-Check Combo interactive insulin pump system, for example, a product, it will launch later this year.
- read the IBJ story