Roche to reorganise life science business structure

Roche is altering the structure of its life science operations with the aim of streamlining decision-making and maximising its business potential.

The restructuring will see Roche dissolve its applied sciences business unit and integrate its products into the company's other diagnostics divisions.

For example, its polymerase chain reaction technology and nucleic acid product lines will be managed by Roche Molecular Diagnostics and its Custom Biotech portfolio is to move to Roche Professional Diagnostics, while a dedicated sequencing unit will also be established.

Meanwhile, the firm will return its ISFET project – for the development of a semiconductor-based sequencing system – to DNA Electronics and has ended a partnership with IBM to create a nanopore-based sequencing platform.

Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer of Roche's diagnostics division, said: "Roche remains committed to the life science business and we will continue to serve our customers with our existing life science portfolio and experts in the field."

During the first quarter of 2013, the company's diagnostics division generated sales of 2.4 billion Swiss francs (1.67 billion pounds), up by one percent year on year.