The Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche presented its 2017 results, which reflect a 5% increase in global sales, a total of 53 billion Swiss francs (close to 46 billion euros). Furthermore, it explained its forecasts for 2018, a year in which it expects to maintain stable sales or a one-digit growth.

In an interview published in El Economista, the Finance Director of Roche Farma Spain, Jorge Ramírez, assesses these figures positively and explains that growth was slightly above 3% in our country last year. Spain, with close to 2,000 employees, is where a significant part of research on the group's new pharmaceuticals takes place. Translated into figures, in 2017 this investment in R&D&i reached 100 million euros, representing 15% of the Farma division's national turnover.

Ramírez adds to this amount the close to 50 million annual euros the group invests at its IT excellence center, a global benchmark. From its facilities in Madrid, it provides support to over 250 research, production and logistics centers across 156 countries.

Neurology research and training
As part of its R&D operations, in early February Roche Farma signed an agreement with the Neurology Association of Spain (SEN) to jointly launch a series of research, training and health education projects through which to contribute toward improving knowledge and the quality of care for neurological disorders.

According to the medical director of Roche Farma, Annarita Gabriele, “neurological disorders are a priority research area for Roche, in which we collaborate closely with health professionals with the goal that all advances in knowledge on these disorders gained through ongoing training will reach patients soon”.

One of the best companies to work for
The Roche Farma division has been recognized, for the fifth consecutive year, with the certification issued by the Top Employers Institute, confirming best practices in human resources management processes. Furthermore, the Diagnostics and Diabetes Care divisions have also obtained this certification for a second year.

This recognition certifies that Roche Farma offers employees excellent conditions, nurtures and develops talent at all organizational levels and strives to optimize its employment and employee development practices.