Semmelweis University and Roche: Cooperation Agreement

A strategic cooperation agreement between Semmelweis University and Roche Hungary, a healthcare company at the forefront of biotechnology and diagnostics, will bring significant advances in R&D activities, particularly in the fields of oncology, haematology, immunology, neurology and ophthalmology. The research projects can greatly contribute to the treatment of rare and serious diseases, as well as to the value-based development and digitization of the Hungarian healthcare system, according to the website of the University.

The main areas of the agreement, aimed at significantly improving the quality of life of patients, include the expansion of innovation projects and clinical trials in Hungary. It aims to support a personalized and value-based approach and the digitalization of healthcare.

“Semmelweis University is the leading medical and health sciences institution in Hungary and in the region, where innovation for the benefit of our patients is a priority in our daily activities. Roche Hungary is a global healthcare company at the forefront of biotechnology and diagnostics, renowned for its innovative solutions. Therefore it is no coincidence that we have a long-standing partnership, which is further strengthened by this strategic agreement,” the rector of the university, Dr. Béla Merkely said at the signing ceremony held at the university.

The rector considers of utmost importance that all elements of the document are characterized by a patient-centered approach, aiming at efficient, high-quality care and improving the quality of life of patients.

“The joint work will bring significant progress, particularly in the fields of oncology, hematology, immunology, neurology and ophthalmology. The number of clinical trials on innovative therapies could increase, with a particular focus on breast cancer, lung cancer and congenital muscular disorders,” the rector said.

He added that increasing the volume of clinical trials will help ensure that patients get access to innovative therapies as soon as possible, and that researchers and doctors at the university are among the first to gain experience with new treatments.

One important area of clinical trials is breast cancer. More than 8,000 cases are diagnosed and more than 2,000 people die of the disease every year in Hungary, accounting for 6.7 % of all cancer deaths. The collaboration between the University and Roche could bring significant advances in the treatment of breast cancer.

The Managing Director of Roche Hungary Raffaella Claudia Bondi recalled that the company has conducted around 70 clinical trials in various disease groups in collaboration with the university over the past five years.

“To create a patient-centered and more sustainable healthcare system, leading-edge science and healthcare professionals need to work together, which is why we are building a partnership with Semmelweis University that will bring radical change for patients and healthcare providers. The aim of the agreement is to promote a personalized and value-based approach,” she emphasized.

The current strategic agreement also aims to improve the organization of healthcare and the use of digitization to enable doctors to make faster, better decisions based on all available data, taking into account the whole patient journey. This will allow more time for quality interactions between doctors and patients.