Roche launches new cobas b 101 system for management of metabolic syndrome

Novel point-of care system supports better diagnosis and monitoring of patients at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease with aim to prevent disease progression

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced the global launch (excluding US) of cobas b 101, a new system for the diagnosis and management of metabolic syndrome. Designed for use at the point of care – at the doctor’s office or outpatient clinic – the new cobas b 101 system is the only system that offers early risk assessment and prognosis in patients with metabolic syndrome, a combination of factors associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes1. Producing rapid test results in only 15 minutes –with the same precision as a medical laboratory and using blood from a single finger prick – Roche’s cobas b 101 system supports healthcare professionals in the screening, diagnosis and long-term monitoring of patients2.

“By offering easy to use, fast and precise point-of-care analysis, cobas b 101 system represents a step forward in the management of metabolic syndrome and has the potential to improve patients’ quality of life and clinical outcomes,” said Roland Diggelmann, COO of Roche Diagnostics. “Roche is committed to supporting healthcare professionals with new, more efficient diagnostic tools and helping to reduce healthcare spending by bringing testing to the patient.”

Metabolic syndrome is estimated to affect 20–25% of the global adult population. It is reflected in increasing levels of diabetes, from which an estimated 366 million people suffer worldwide2. As more than half of all people with diabetes may go undiagnosed3, detection of very early symptoms is essential. With cobas b 101 system Roche aims to support pharmacists, general practitioners and other clinicians in daily medical practice to better diagnose and manage patients with hyperglycemia (elevated fasting blood sugar) and dyslipidemia (poorly controlled cholesterol), the two main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

About cobas b 101system

Offering combined monitoring of patients’ long-term glucose control and key blood lipids levels (high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as triglycerides), cobas b 101 system measures two major indicators that aid in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The testing of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) supports appropriate monitoring and treatment by identifying people with high blood glucose levels. Blood lipid panel testing allows doctors to determine whether a patient is at increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Highly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the blood may lead to the accumulation of cholesterol on the artery walls.

About Roche

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, virology, inflammation, metabolism and CNS. Roche is also the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics, tissue-based cancer diagnostics and a pioneer in diabetes management. Roche’s personalized healthcare strategy aims at providing medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients. In 2011, Roche had over 80,000 employees worldwide and invested over 8 billion Swiss francs in R&D. The Group posted sales of 42.5 billion Swiss francs. Genentech, United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche has a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information: www.roche.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

References
1)First market availability in the countries of Austria, Denmark, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Chile, Saudi Arabia, United Arabic Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan
2)www.idf.org/metabolic-syndrome, accessed 08/02/2012
3)Smith DG Am J Managed Care 2007; 13 (3): 69-71




© 2012 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
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