Softbank Group Builds Up $5 Billion Stake in Roche

Japan’s Softbank Group has reportedly amassed $5 billion worth of shares in Swiss-based pharmaceutical giant Roche.

Much of the interest that generated the large investment is reportedly Roche’s subsidiary Genentech, which is focused on data-based drug discovery.

The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization in June for Genentech’s immunosuppressive drug Actemra (tocilizumab) for treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. And the World Health Organization last month recommended Actemra plus corticosteroids for treatment of severe COVID-19 infections.