Stock Watch: Oncology Dynamics Underscore Roche And AstraZeneca’s Contrasting Fortunes

Cancer Drug Sales Diverged In 2020 And Not Just Due To The Pandemic

Roche’s full-year 2020 results suggested that it had seen better days. By contrast, the turnaround narrative at AstraZeneca suggested that its worst days were behind it.

Andy Smith
ANDY SMITH OFFERS A LIFE SCIENCE INVESTOR'S PERSPECTIVE ON BIOPHARMA BUSINESS

Companies with large oncology franchises would be expected to have had a challenging 2020 after lockdowns and the pandemic dissuaded patients from seeking treatment. But two of the largest achieved the pre-pandemic financial guidance they issued last January. although reactions to their 2021 financial guidance were similar, but negative.

Roche Holding AG’s fourth-quarter group sales (reported in Swiss franc terms) fell by 6.9% over the same quarter of...

Scrip Podcast

Keep up with the top pharma business news of the week. On the go.

Scrip brings you a weekly bulletin of top picks.

More from Stock Watch

More from Business

  • How A New Healthcare Dialogue Is Driving Market Access In Mexico

    Companies stand a better chance of securing public reimbursement in Mexico for innovative medicines if they understand changing approaches to healthcare. The shift means the emergence of managed entry agreements and a focus on economic impact, explains AMIIF, Mexico's research-based pharmaceutical industry association.

  • How Novartis Is Elevating CVD Outcomes, Driving ‘Personalized Access’ In APMA

    Novartis’s APMA chief outlines the company’s tailored approach to deliver long-term outcomes, novel access solutions via innovative financing options and shape the CVD disease ecosystem in the extraordinarily diverse region. Partnering to build AI infrastructure is another key prong.

  • India Rare Diseases: Court Shows Path For Policy Action, Funding, Price Issues-- Test-2

    A court order encompassing funding, drug pricing, clinical trials and overall policy implementation aspects is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in the treatment of rare diseases in India. Sarepta, Roche and Sanofi are among the key players that have been part of pricing discussions.