News Releases

Roche to showcase new solutions to consolidate automated molecular testing, microbiology topics from industry experts at ASM Microbe 2018
-- CT/NG test, cobas omni Utility Channel offer IVD, LDT menu consolidation options for fully automated cobas 6800/8800 platform
-- Micro Insights Theater to feature 30-minute briefings on key microbiology topics

ATLANTA, June 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) will feature new test options that expand the opportunities for laboratories to automate molecular testing, and will offer presentations from industry experts on key microbiology topics in its booth beginning today at ASM Microbe 2018, the American Society for Microbiology's annual conference, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Roche Logo (PRNewsfoto/Roche)

For its fully automated, high-throughput cobas 6800 and 8800 systems, Roche is introducing its recently FDA-cleared CT/NG test, which now allows laboratories to consolidate STI testing with Roche's viral load test menu—including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and cytomegalovirus (CMV)—as moderate-complexity tests, significantly reducing operating time and labor. Roche also has TV/MG (Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium), HPV and HIV1/HIV2 qualitative assays in development for the same platforms (not available for sale in the U.S.).

Also being introduced for the cobas 6800/8800 platforms is the cobas omni Utility Channel, which enables labs to consolidate their own lab-developed tests with IVD tests on the same system. This feature can help labs to minimize errors and free up skilled staff by fully automating the manual steps for routine LDTs, improving testing efficiency without sacrificing test quality.

Roche is also highlighting the addition of its recently cleared cobas Factor II and Factor V test to the menu for its automated cobas 4800 system. The test enables laboratories to simultaneously assess Factor II and Factor V gene mutations from a single patient sample, which can reduce hands-on time when testing patients for inherited thrombophilia. The addition to the menu allows labs to consolidate genomics, oncology and microbiology testing onto a single platform.

In addition, Roche will be featuring a rotating series of 30-minute presentations by microbiology experts on key topics in the Micro Insights Theater in its booth (#2005) between 11 am and 3 pm each day. Topics include C. difficile testing, MRSA screening, the role of mycoplasma genitalium in sexual health management, healthcare IT, automating LDTs, molecular HSV testing and more.

Roche is presenting additional educational opportunities in conjunction with ASM's Industry and Science events:

Industry and Science Workshop (B312 Convention Center)

The Evolution of Influenza Infection and Diagnostics: Detection by PCR - Are We Finally There?
Glen T. Hansen, PhD, FCCM, D(ABMM)
Director Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics, Hennepin County Medical Center
Thursday, June 7 12:00 - 12:45PM

Industry and Science Showcases (Theater B)

Improving diagnostic stewardship for C. difficile: Importance of clinician and laboratory partnership
Allison R. McMullen, PhD, D(ABMM)
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Medical Director of Microbiology, Augusta University - Medical College of Georgia
Friday, June 8 12:00 - 12:45PM

Detecting CRE to support infection control and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives
Patricia J. Simner, PhD, D(ABMM)
Associate Professor of Pathology, Director of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Saturday, June 9 12:00 - 12:45PM

More information about the educational opportunities and Micro Insights Theater presentations, as well as the products featured in the Roche booth, is available at asm2018.roche.com.

About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalized healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.

Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Roche has been recognized as the Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry nine years in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2017 employed about 94,000 people worldwide. In 2017, Roche invested CHF 10.4 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 53.3 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com or usdiagnostics.roche.com.

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

For further information, please contact: 

Mike Weist 
Communications Business Partner 
Roche Diagnostics Corporation 
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
317.521.3112 office
317.371.0035 mobile
mike.weist@roche.com

SOURCE Roche Diagnostics