Roche (RHHBY) and personal genetics company 23andMe, Inc. announced an agreement to make breakthroughs in therapeutic research and treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Both the companies will collaborate to generate whole genome sequencing data for approximately 3,000 patients in 23andMe's disease community suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Roche will be able to identify potential therapeutics based on genome sequencing and survey data from the largest Parkinson's disease community of its kind through this multi-year collaboration.
On the other hand, 23andMe will have the opportunity to conduct additional research on the data following the conclusion of the collaboration. In addition, 23andMe will make the information available to Parkinson's researchers from around the world.
As per Parkinson's Disease Foundation, there are an estimated one million patients in the U.S. suffering from Parkinson's disease. Hence, there is a definite need for new treatment options in this field given the fact there is currently no cure or even treatments that slow the disease although there are medications that can improve symptoms in some patients.
We note that Roche is well-placed in the breast cancer market with drugs like Herceptin, Perjeta and Kadcyla, and continues to strengthen its already dominant position. We are also impressed by the company's efforts to grow its portfolio beyond oncology to immunology, ophthalmology and other diseases. Apart from providing therapeutic products and services for diverse medical needs, Roche focuses on innovative diagnostic solutions for the early detection and treatment of diseases thereby making its portfolio more comprehensive.
Roche currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks among the large-cap pharmas include AbbVie (ABBV), Allergan (AGN) and Eli Lilly and Company (LLY). All three carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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