Roche invests billions in anti-obesity drugs: what changes for cross-border workers

Context

TL;DR

• Roche announces positive results for Petrelintide, an anti-obesity drug.
• The drug shows 10.7% average weight loss with mild side effects.
• Roche aims to focus on personalized and targeted therapies.
• The global anti-obesity drug market is expected to grow to $100-200 billion by 2030.

Key facts

• Company: Roche
• Drug: Petrelintide
• Collaboration: Zealand Pharma
• Weight Loss: 10.7%
• Market Size: $100-200 billion
• Year: 2030
• BMI Threshold: 30
• Obesity Definition: Chronic disease with excessive fat accumulation

Roche focuses on next-generation drugs

In early March 2026, pharmaceutical giant Roche announced preliminary positive results for Petrelintide, an anti-obesity drug developed in collaboration with Danish biotech company Zealand Pharma. Phase 2 trials involved patients receiving a weekly injection for 42 weeks. The results showed an average weight loss of 10.7%, with mild side effects. However, the data failed to meet investor expectations: Zealand Pharma’s shares plummeted by 35%, while Roche lost around 3% the day after the announcement.

According to Manu Chakravarthy, Roche’s Global Head of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Development, the goal is not solely about weight loss. 'We’re not just looking at the number on the scale. What truly matters is the person’s overall health,' he stated. 'Not everyone will need the same thing at the same time in their obesity journey, which can span 20, 40, or even 60 years, especially when considering associated comorbidities.'

📊 A second wave of targeted therapies

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Operational details

Why Roche Missed the First Wave of GLP-1 Drugs

In 2010, Roche was among the first companies to study GLP-1 drugs, but abandoned the project after a series of late-stage failures, just before Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly's success boom. "We missed the first wave," Chakravarthy admitted. Now, with the introduction of Petrelintide and other targeted therapies, the company is trying to catch up in a market that is worth tens of billions and is growing at a rapid pace.

Roche's strategy is based on three pillars: personalization, reduction of side effects and a holistic approach to patient health. While drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound focus on weight loss, Roche focuses on solutions that also improve metabolic, cardiovascular and renal parameters. This approach could attract patients with obesity and comorbidities, a target often overlooked by current therapies.

Risks for cross-border commuters: costs and accessibility

For cross-border commuters who live in Ticino but work in Lombardy, access to these drugs could be complicated by two main factors: costs and insurance coverage. Currently, anti-obesity drugs are not reimbursed by Swiss health insurance companies except in the presence of related diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.). However, this could change with the introduction of more targeted therapies.

According to IQVIA estimates, the global market for anti-obesity drugs could grow to $200 billion by 2030. This increase in demand could lead to increased pressure on healthcare systems and insurance companies, which could also affect health insurance premiums in Ticino. Cross-border commuters, who already face high costs for cross-border healthcare, may see increased out-of-pocket expenses or have to consider specific insurance solutions.

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Key points

Step 1: Assess suitability for treatment

Before considering taking anti-obesity medications, it is essential to check if you are suitable for treatment. According to the criteria of the WHO and the Swiss and Italian health authorities:

• BMI ≥ 30: Overt obesity. - BMI ≥ 27 with comorbidities: Overweight with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. - Age: Over 18 years old (some drugs have more restrictive limits).

For cross-border commuters living in Ticino, the assessment can be carried out at: - Endocrinology Centers of the EOC (Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio). - General practitioners with expertise in nutrition and metabolism. - Specialist clinics in Lombardy (if you opt for a cross-border approach).

If you fall within the parameters, the next step is to apply for a medical prescription, which can be used to check your insurance coverage.

Step 2: Check your insurance coverage

In Ticino, health insurers do not reimburse anti-obesity drugs except in the presence of related diseases. However, some supplemental policies may offer partial coverage. Here's what to do:

1. Contact your health insurer: Ask if it covers medications such as Wegovy or Zepbound if you have comorbidities. 2. Evaluate additional policies: Some insurance companies offer specific plans for obesity or metabolic diseases. 3. Check with your employer: Some companies offer additional benefits, such as contributions to specific therapies.

If coverage is not available, the cost of these drugs can be as high as CHF 400-500 per month in Switzerland, making them unaffordable for many. In Lombardy, costs are lower (around EUR 200-300 per month if purchased privately), but availability is limited.

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