Hidden in our archives are some weird and wonderful glimpses into a past that has shaped who Roche is today. Get ready to go back in time and experience some moments you never would’ve expected.

Let’s go!

Hidden in our archives are some weird and wonderful glimpses into a past that has shaped who Roche is today. Get ready to go back in time and experience some moments you never would’ve expected.

Let’s go!

After witnessing the devastating effects of the cholera outbreak in Hamburg, Fritz Hoffmann vows to make a difference to healthcare.

After witnessing the devastating effects of the cholera outbreak in Hamburg, Fritz Hoffmann vows to make a difference to healthcare.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Co. is founded on 1 October 1896 in Basel, Switzerland.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Co. is founded on 1 October 1896 in Basel, Switzerland.

From the beginning, Fritz Hoffmann’s plan is to distribute standardised medicines internationally. By 1896 Roche expands to Italy, France, Germany and Austria.

From the beginning, Fritz Hoffmann’s plan is to distribute standardised medicines internationally. In a short matter of time, Roche expands to Italy, France, Germany and Austria.

Roche founder Fritz Hoffmann’s mission is to find the most effective way to advance the fight against diseases. He had always felt that medicines should be produced industrially outside of the pharmacy and distributed internationally. The first standardised, branded Roche product is a disinfectant powder for cleaning wounds.

Roche founder Fritz Hoffmann’s mission is to find the most effective way to advance the fight against diseases. He had always felt that medicines should be produced industrially outside of the pharmacy and distributed internationally. The first standardised, branded Roche product is a disinfectant powder for cleaning wounds.

Biochemist Markus Guggenheim knows Roche is destined for bigger things. He sets up the first in-house research department at Roche, bringing diverse perspectives together. He changes the way we think about innovation in the biotech industry.

Biochemist Markus Guggenheim knows Roche is destined for bigger things. He sets up the first in-house research department at Roche, bringing diverse perspectives together. He changes the way we think about innovation in the biotech industry

By 1912, the company has branches in nine countries across three continents. Roche is in Japan, France, Russia, Italy, Germany, England, US, Austria and England. By 1914, Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche and his new partner Carl Meerwein have built a network of European and overseas subsidiaries including offices in Milan, New York, St. Petersburg and London.

By 1912, the company has branches in nine countries across three continents. Roche is in Japan, France, Russia, Italy, Germany, England, US, Austria and England. By 1914, Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche and his new partner Carl Meerwein have built a network of European and overseas subsidiaries including offices in Milan, New York, St. Petersburg and London.

The First World War clearly spells international and financial crisis for Roche with no access to its main manufacturing plant in Grenzach, Germany.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 also means a loss of assets in a key market. Roche responds by legally transforming Roche to a Limited Company in 1919.

Pictured is the Roche brand logo from 1914-1918, showing the establishment of Roche as a Limited Company.

The First World War clearly spells international and financial crisis for Roche with no access to its main manufacturing plant in Grenzach, Germany.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 also means a loss of assets in a key market. Roche responds by legally transforming Roche to a Limited Company in 1919.

Pictured is the Roche brand logo from 1914-1918, showing the establishment of Roche as a Limited Company.

Even in the 1920s, inventive and resourceful women like Anny Schwarz could embark on successful careers at Roche. Initially hired as a secretary to CEO Emil C. Barell, for the next 35 years, she overcame all the obstacles the turbulent 20th century put in her path. She had many roles along the way, eventually achieving the position of Deputy Director of the Purchasing Department, an incredible feat for a woman at that time.

Even in the 1920s, inventive and resourceful women like Anny Schwarz could embark on successful careers at Roche. Initially hired as a secretary to CEO Emil C. Barell, for the next 35 years, she overcame all the obstacles the turbulent 20th century put in her path. She had many roles along the way, eventually achieving the position of Deputy Director of the Purchasing Department, an incredible feat for a woman at that time.

Even though it takes her 35 days to get there, Dr Alice Keller adores Japan from the moment she arrives. At the newly established Roche affiliate in Tokyo, Alice begins to thrive and it marks the start of her meteoric rise through the ranks.

Read more about an unconventional woman in an unconventional career.

Even though it takes her 35 days to get there, Dr Alice Keller adores Japan from the moment she arrives. At the newly established Roche affiliate in Tokyo, Alice begins to thrive and it marks the start of her meteoric rise through the ranks.

Read more about an unconventional woman in an unconventional career.

A lot has happened over the last 125 years, and a company cannot thrive this long without collecting a series of notable, one-of-a-kind personalities. Hilde Pfalz is one of them.

As Roche expands into the US, opening a manufacturing plant in Nutley, New Jersey, no one could have predicted that it would become a future safe haven for many Jewish scientists during World War II. The site produces a range of products, such as the barbiturate Allonal, for the US market.

After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Roche representative Josef Aronstamm flees Russia for Latvia. Not quite ready to cut off business ties, Josef envisions his new home as a bridge to the important Soviet market.

To accommodate the growing business, in 1932, a beautiful two-storey Bauhaus building is constructed on 25 Miera Street in Riga, Latvia. In 1940, however, the building is commandeered by the Communist government, not returning to Roche’s ownership until 2016.

Learn more about the history of Roche Latvia in this video.

After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Roche representative Josef Aronstamm flees Russia for Latvia. Not quite ready to cut off business ties, Josef envisions his new home as a bridge to the important Soviet market.

To accommodate the growing business, in 1932, a beautiful two-storey Bauhaus building is constructed on 25 Miera Street in Riga, Latvia. In 1940, however, the building is commandeered by the Communist government, not returning to Roche’s ownership until 2016.

Learn more about the history of Roche Latvia in this video.

When Roche acquires Tadeusz Reichstein’s process for synthesising vitamin C and manages to scale it up for mass production, everything changes for the company.

When Roche acquires Tadeusz Reichstein’s process for synthesising vitamin C and manages to scale it up for mass production, everything changes for the company.

After he finishes working on Emil Barell’s private residence, Otto R. Salvisberg, an architect from Berne, is invited to design manufacturing and office buildings for Roche, some of them decorated with important works of art. In this way Emil Barell establishes a tradition of patronage of art and architecture that Roche still upholds today.

Otto is rewarded with the role of Roche house architect until his death in 1940.

After he finishes working on Emil Barell’s private residence, Otto R. Salvisberg, an architect from Berne, is invited to design manufacturing and office buildings for Roche, some of them decorated with important works of art. In this way Emil Barell establishes a tradition of patronage of art and architecture that Roche still upholds today.

Otto is rewarded with the role of Roche house architect until his death in 1940.

Dr Otto Isler (pictured left), a pupil and great admirer of Tadeusz, joins Roche in 1936. Dr Otto would later synthesise vitamin A and lead Roche into the profitable fields of fragrances, food colouring (carotenoids, i.e. precursors of vitamin A) and dermatology (related substances called retinoids). “Wacky Otto,” as he is affectionately known owing to his habit of charging up staircases, is a restless individual and brilliant scientist constantly on the go. Devoted to his chemistry and the people who work with him, he also earns the nickname of “Babbi” (grandpa), revealing his sweet centre.

Dr Otto Isler (pictured left), a pupil and great admirer of Leo Reichstein, joins Roche in 1936. Dr Otto would later synthesise vitamin A and lead Roche into the profitable fields of fragrances, food colouring (carotenoids, i.e. precursors of vitamin A) and dermatology (related substances called retinoids). “Wacky Otto,” as he is affectionately known owing to his habit of charging up staircases, is a restless individual and brilliant scientist constantly on the go. Devoted to his chemistry and the people who work with him, he also earns the nickname of “Babbi” (grandpa), revealing his sweet centre.

Leo Sternbach, along with many of Roche’s Jewish scientists, flees the Nazis by accepting a transfer to the United States. He is sent to take part in the development of the new research centre in Nutley, New Jersey. The award-winning scientist is not only the inventor of one of the world’s bestselling drugs, but he also has a total of 241 patents to his name.

“Success comes from a love of the profession and the total dedication found in the true artist.” - Leo Sternbach in an interview with the NZZ newspaper in 2002

Leo Sternbach, along with many of Roche’s Jewish scientists, flees the Nazis by accepting a transfer to the United States. He is sent to take part in the development of the new research centre in Nutley, New Jersey. The award-winning scientist is not only the inventor of one of the world’s bestselling drugs, but he also has a total of 241 patents to his name.

“Success comes from a love of the profession and the total dedication found in the true artist.” - Leo Sternbach in an interview with the NZZ newspaper in 2002

Just after the war, a derivative of vitamin B, the synthesis of which was mastered a decade earlier, is found effective for hair and skincare. Eventually, however, in order to have more impact on people’s lives, Roche divests its Pantene Corporation in 1982 to focus more on pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

Just after the war, a derivative of vitamin B, the synthesis of which was mastered a decade earlier, is found effective for hair and skincare. Eventually, however, in order to have more impact on people’s lives, Roche divests its Pantene Corporation in 1982 to focus more on pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

As it goes up, Roche asks the architect of Building 52, Roland Rohn, to install a unique lighting system that allows the lights right next to the windows to be turned on even when the rest of the building is dark. For many years, the façade depicts a Christmas tree during the advent season.

In the autumn of 2021, Roche’s 178-metre tall headquarters became Switzerland’s biggest canvas with a spectacular light show.

As it goes up, Roche asks the architect of Building 52, Roland Rohn, to install a unique lighting system that allows the lights right next to the windows to be turned on even when the rest of the building is dark. For many years, the façade depicts a Christmas tree during the advent season.

In the autumn of 2021, Roche’s 178-metre tall headquarters became Switzerland’s biggest canvas with a spectacular light show.

Roche expands into manufacturing fragrances and flavours, acquiring Givauden S.A. and Roure Bertrand Dupont.

Roche expands into manufacturing fragrances and flavours, acquiring Givauden S.A. and Roure Bertrand Dupont.

Roche begins biomedical research, establishing three major Roche Institutes: the Institute of Molecular Biology in Nutley, New Jersey (1967); the Basel Institute for Immunology in Switzerland (1968); and the Nippon Research Centre in Kumakara, Japan (1972).

Roche begins biomedical research, establishing three major Roche Institutes: the Institute of Molecular Biology in Nutley, New Jersey (1967); the Basel Institute for Immunology in Switzerland (1968); and the Nippon Research Centre in Kumakara, Japan (1972).

When she combines two active ingredients, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, microbiologist and chemist Erika Böhni gets a strong reaction—just not the kind you’d expect. In her words:
“People thought ‘Böhni’s gone crazy.’ Until other bacteriologists confirmed the fact. It was a fantastic, exciting time.” This “crazy” solution goes on to save billions of lives.

Read more about the outside-the-box woman who helped shape our company.

When she combines two active ingredients, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, microbiologist and chemist Erika Böhni gets a strong reaction—just not the kind you’d expect. In her words:
“People thought ‘Böhni’s gone crazy.’ Until other bacteriologists confirmed the fact. It was a fantastic, exciting time.” This “crazy” solution goes on to save billions of lives.

Read more about the outside-the-box woman who helped shape our company.

It’s 1969 and the first electron microscope appears at Roche. It uses a beam of electrons to create an image, allowing researchers to observe incredibly tiny objects with greater accuracy. Although it’s a major investment at the time, and very expensive to maintain, it’s essential for new discoveries. Today, the technology remains unrivalled.

It’s 1969 and the first electron microscope appears at Roche. It uses a beam of electrons to create an image, allowing researchers to observe incredibly tiny objects with greater accuracy. Although it’s a major investment at the time, and very expensive to maintain, it’s essential for new discoveries. Today, the technology remains unrivaled.

Almost as good as the Tower Light Projection for our 125-year anniversary in the autumn of 2021!

Almost as good as the Tower Light Projection for our 125-year anniversary in the autumn of 2021!

The first automated laboratory diagnostic is developed in-house by Roche. From this point on, the Diagnostics division expands vigorously.

As we continue our fight against COVID-19 in 2021, it has become clearer than ever just how much people depend on early diagnosis and rapid access to therapy for the best possible results.

Genentech is founded by venture capitalist Robert A. Swanson and biochemist Dr Herbert W. Boyer, based on a new scientific field called recombinant DNA technology. In 2009, Genentech becomes a member of the Roche Group and their South San Francisco campus serves as the headquarters for Roche pharmaceutical operations in the U.S. Under the terms of the deal, Genentech keeps its name, retains its talent and its unique culture.

George Köhler and César Milstein – scientists at the Roche-funded Basel Institute for Immunology – collect their Nobel Prize in Physiology / Medicine in recognition of their work developing a process for producing monoclonal antibodies, revolutionising biological research.

George Köhler and César Milstein – scientists at the Roche-funded Basel Institute for Immunology – collect their Nobel Prize in Physiology / Medicine for recognition of their work developing a process for producing monoclonal antibodies, revolutionising biological research.

Despite what some viewed to be unusual work habits and methods, Susumu Tonegawa, a researcher at the Basel Institute of Immunology, is awarded the Nobel Prize for illustrating how antibody diversity occurs at the genetic level.

Despite what some viewed to be unusual work habits and methods, Susumu Tonegawa, a researcher at the Basel Institute of Immunology, is awarded the Nobel Prize for illustrating how antibody diversity occurs at the genetic level.

Roche purchases a 60% stake in Genentech, giving it access to a pipeline of new medicines and scientific research while providing Genentech with Roche’s long history of scientific prowess, along with broad monetary support and global market partnerships.

Roche purchases a 60% stake in Genentech, giving it access to a pipeline of new medicines and scientific research while providing Genentech with Roche’s long history of scientific prowess, along with broad monetary support and global market partnerships.

Roche acquires worldwide marketing rights to PCR, a technique capable of detecting minute amounts of genetic material and paving the way for fast, specific diagnostic testing in diverse disease areas.

Roche acquires worldwide marketing rights to PCR, a technique capable of detecting minute amounts of genetic material and paving the way for fast, specific diagnostic testing in diverse disease areas.

Much of what Etiennette Verrey achieves as the first women’s officer at Roche in Basel is groundbreaking: a company daycare centre, women’s networks and career progression schemes. “A lot of people saw me as some sort of dreadful women’s libber,” she recalled years later, thinking back to the opposition coming at her from different fronts. With her political work today, Etiennette is still championing women’s rights. There’s still a lot to be done in terms of Diversity and Inclusion, and Roche continues its fight for equality across the board. Etiennette made it clear, “my job will be done when I have made myself redundant”.

Much of what Etiennette Verrey achieves as the first women’s officer at Roche in Basel is groundbreaking: a company daycare centre, women’s networks and career progression schemes. “A lot of people saw me as some sort of dreadful women’s libber,” she recalled years later, thinking back to the opposition coming at her from different fronts. With her political work today, Etiennette is still championing women’s rights. There’s still a lot to be done in terms of Diversity and Inclusion, and Roche continues its fight for equality across the board. Etiennette made it clear, “my job will be done when I have made myself redundant”.

Roche begins the Transnet-Phelophepa initiative. The trains operate as free, mobile health clinics travelling through rural South Africa. And it’s still going strong today!

Roche begins the Transnet-Phelophepa initiative. The trains operate as free, mobile health clinics travelling through rural South Africa. In 2021, it’s still going strong!

Some juicy news breaks about one of Roche’s more harrowing moments. For ten years, illegal price-fixing agreements between Roche, BASF, Rhône-Poulenc and Takeda cause inflated prices on the vitamin market. Industry fines amounting to nearly a billion euros are imposed as a result. Convictions and prison sentences follow.

Some juicy news breaks about one of Roche’s more harrowing moments. For ten years, illegal price-fixing agreements between Roche, BASF, Rhône-Poulenc and Takeda cause inflated prices on the vitamin market. Industry fines amounting to nearly a billion euros are imposed as a result. Convictions and prison sentences follow.

Roche restructures to focus on biotechnology. It acquires Japanese biotech company Chugai, paving the way for innovation in personalised healthcare. In 2006, Roche further cements its focus on its two core business areas: pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, divesting itself of the vitamin, chemical, fragrance and flavour divisions.

Roche restructures to focus on biotechnology. It acquires Japanese biotech company Chugai, paving the way for innovation in personalised healthcare. In 2006, Roche further cements its focus on its two core business areas: pharmaceutical and diagnostics, divesting of the vitamins, chemical, fragrances and flavours divisions.

First Roche Children’s Walk takes place, raising money for children’s projects around the world. Since then, more than 248,000 employees have raised over 20 million CHF in donations.

First Roche Children’s Walk takes place, raising money for children’s projects around the world. Since then, more than 248,000 employees have raised over 20 million CHF in donations.

In his free time on weekends, cell biologist Napoleone Ferrara goes to the company lab to pursue a passion project that nobody in the company thinks will ever amount to anything. He’s interested in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which helps form the new blood vessels that tumours need to grow. Napoleone hopes that by using an antibody directed against VEGF, blood vessels will be prevented from forming. When the legal department decides not to apply for an international patent for bevacizumab, he takes matters into his own hands, going to a patent lawyer and clutching two photos: “Do you know what the difference between these two photos is?” The pictures are of the same mouse before and after successful treatment with this antibody. A treatment based on this research launches in 2004.

In his free time on weekends, cell biologist Napoleone Ferrara goes to the company lab to pursue a passion project that nobody in the company thinks will ever amount to anything. He’s interested in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which helps form the new blood vessels that tumours need to grow. Napoleone hopes that by using an antibody directed against VEGF, blood vessels will be prevented from forming. When the legal department decides not to apply for an international patent for bevacizumab, he takes matters into his own hands, going to a patent lawyer and clutching two photos: “Do you know what the difference between these two photos is?” The pictures are of the same mouse before and after successful treatment with this antibody. A treatment based on this research launches in 2004.

Foresight brings Roche a step closer to providing the right treatment for the right patient at the right time; and the promise of personalised healthcare. By acquiring Foundation Medicine, one of the world’s largest cancer genomic databases, we have a better understanding of a tumour’s molecular makeup and can optimise treatments for oncology patients. It also means a better design and understanding of clinical trials. This is the next level of precision medicine, ensuring we can improve both the development of medicines and patient care.

Foresight brings Roche a step closer to providing the right treatment for the right patient at the right time; and the promise of personalised healthcare. By acquiring Foundation Medicine, one of the world’s largest cancer genomic databases, we have a better understanding of a tumour’s molecular makeup and can optimise treatments for oncology patients. It also means a better design and understanding of clinical trials. This is the next level of precision medicine, ensuring we can improve both the development of medicines and patient care.

Can a giant cheese grater be a symbol of innovation? Find out how the locals in Switzerland feel about Building 1.

Can a giant cheese grater be a symbol of innovation? Find out how the locals in Switzerland feel about Building 1.

Every cancer is unique, and Roche has long been dedicated to tailoring oncology care to individual patients. By understanding what drives the disease, we can personalise treatment and improve lives. Unlocking real-world data and insights helps us all learn from the experiences of every cancer patient. In 2018, Roche acquires Flatiron Health to do just that.

Every cancer is unique, and Roche has long been dedicated to tailoring oncology care to individual patients. By understanding what drives the disease, we can personalise treatment and improve lives. Unlocking real-world data and insights helps us all learn from the experiences of every cancer patient. In 2018, Roche acquires Flatiron Health to do just that.

As Roche acquires Philadelphia-based Spark Therapeutics, we begin to imagine a world where rare or inherited genetic disorders can be cured – even prevented – by targeting root causes.

As Roche acquires Philadelphia-based Spark Therapeutics, we begin to imagine a world where rare or inherited genetic disorders can be cured – even prevented – by targeting root causes.

Every day we celebrate life by constantly reinventing ourselves as we learn more about what patients and caregivers need.

We celebrate life with solutions that aren’t just quick fixes, but improve access and quality of healthcare for the long haul. We celebrate life by finding new ways of working and partnering across industries and nations to make lasting, systemic change that improves the lives of millions.

We are excited by our future, and the opportunity to create many more moments that will define our journey for patients in the years ahead.

Every day we celebrate life by constantly reinventing ourselves as we learn more about what patients and caregivers need.

We celebrate life with solutions that aren’t just quick fixes, but improve access and quality of healthcare for the long haul. We celebrate life by finding new ways of working and partnering across industries and nations to make lasting, systemic change that improves the lives of millions.

We are excited by our future, and the opportunity to create many more moments that will define our journey for patients in the years ahead.