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

Contesto

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 Roche missed the first wave of GLP-1-based drugs’ success (such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound), which deliver weight loss between 15% and 20%, with peaks exceeding 25% in some studies. Now, the company is investing billions in a new generation of therapies, focusing on more personalized and targeted drugs. Petrelintide is just one of Roche’s strategies: the company has struck deals with several biotech firms to expand its portfolio in an increasingly competitive market. The global anti-obesity drug market is expanding rapidly. According to IQVIA, tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) sales surpassed $36.5 billion in 2025, becoming the world’s best-selling drug. Market estimates project growth from $66 billion in 2025 to $100–200 billion by 2030. Ho...

Dettagli operativi

Why Roche missed the first wave of GLP-1 drugs In 2010, Roche was among the first companies to study GLP-1 class drugs, but abandoned the project after a series of failures in advanced stages, just before Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly’s breakthrough successes. 'We missed the first wave,' Chakravarthy admitted. Now, with the introduction of Petrelintide and other targeted therapies, the company is aiming to catch up in a market worth tens of billions that is growing at a rapid pace. Roche’s strategy rests on three pillars: personalisation, reduction of side effects, and a holistic approach to patient health. While drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound focus primarily on weight loss, Roche is targeting solutions that also improve metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal parameters. This approach could appeal to patients with obesity and comorbidities, a group often overlooked by current therapies. > 📊 Market dynamics: The global obesity drug market could reach $200 billion by 2030, according to IQVIA estimates. ### Risks for cross-border workers: costs and accessibility For cross-border workers living in Ticino but working in Lombardy, access to these drugs could be complicated by two main factors: cost and insurance coverage. Currently, anti-obesity drugs are not reimbursed by Swiss health insurance funds unless linked to related conditions (diabetes, hypertension, etc.). However, this could change with the introduction of more targeted therapies. The surge in demand may place greater pressure on healthcare systems and insurers, potentially affecting health insurance premiums in Ticino. Cross-border workers, who already face high costs for cross-border healthcare, may see increased out-of-pocket expenses or need to consider specific insurance solutions. > ⚠️ Transitional chall...

Punti chiave

Step 1: Assessing suitability for treatment Before considering anti-obesity medication, it is essential to verify if you are eligible for treatment. According to WHO criteria and Swiss and Italian health authorities: - BMI ≥ 30: Confirmed obesity. - BMI ≥ 27 with comorbidities: Overweight with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. - Age: Over 18 years (some medications have more restrictive limits). For cross-border workers living in Ticino, the assessment can be carried out at: - EOC endocrinology centers (Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio). - Primary care physicians with expertise in nutrition and metabolism. - Specialist outpatient clinics in Lombardy (if opting for a cross-border approach). If you meet the parameters, the next step is to request a medical prescription, which can be used to verify insurance coverage. 📊 Important > The evaluation must be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure safety and appropriateness of treatment. ### Step 2: Verifying insurance coverage In Ticino, health insurance funds do not reimburse anti-obesity medications unless related conditions are present. However, some supplemental policies may offer partial coverage. Here’s what to do: 1. Contact your health insurance fund: Ask if they cover medications like Wegovy or Zepbound in cases of comorbidity. 2. Evaluate additional policies: Some insurers offer specific plans for obesity or metabolic conditions. 3. Check with your employer: Some companies provide additional benefits, such as contributions for specific therapies. If coverage is not available, the cost of these medications can reach CHF 400-500 per month in Switzerland, making them inaccessible for many. In Lombardy, costs are lower (around €200-300 per month if purchased private...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Will Petrelintide be available in Ticino in 2026?","a":"Not yet. The drug is still in the study phase (phase 2), and no data has been released regarding a possible approval before 2028-2029. Final clinical study results are expected in 2027."},{"q":"How much does a drug like Wegovy currently cost in Ticino?","a":"The monthly cost of Wegovy (semaglutide) in Ticino ranges between 400 and 500 CHF. This price may vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy. Insurance coverage is only guaranteed in the presence of related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension."},{"q":"Can I get a refund for an anti-obesity drug if I work in Lombardy but live in Ticino?","a":"It depends on your health insurance and related conditions. Currently, anti-obesity drugs are not reimbursed for isolated obesity in Ticino. However, some supplementary policies or specific agreements may offer partial coverage. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider directly."},{"q":"How can I find out if I am eligible for GLP-1 drug treatment?","a":"Eligibility is based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and the presence of related conditions. For a precise calculation, you can consult your general practitioner or an endocrinology center in Ticino (EOC) or Lombardy (public/private hospitals)."},{"q":"Are there alternatives to injectable drugs for obesity?","a":"Currently, the most effective drugs are GLP-1-based and tirzepatide, which require weekly injections. Alternatives include bariatric surgery (recommended for BMI >40) or behavioral therapies, but these are not drugs. Some companies are developing oral formulations, but these are not yet available."}]

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