From molecule to medicine

Roche utilises cutting-edge technologies to create numerous new chemical compounds in the laboratory by combining known elements. Each of these millions of compounds is tested to determine which has the potential to become an effective medicine. Out of many thousands of substances, only a handful remain that may prove to be promising.

Once a promising compound is discovered, researchers develop studies to assess its effect on specific biological targets. Clinical trials for new medicines are conducted in multiple phases. In the first phase, safety and tolerability are assessed in trials with healthy volunteers. Subsequently, in the second phase, the presumed efficacy of the medicine is confirmed. In the third phase, the medicine is tested in large-scale studies with many patients under realistic conditions.