Who Owns Activase?
Activase is owned by Roche, a publicly traded Swiss multinational pharmaceutical and diagnostics company. Activase is Roche's thrombolytic treatment. Roche is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and trades on SIX (ROG).
Parent Company
Roche
Founded
1987
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Basel, Switzerland
Who Owns Activase?
- Parent Company: Roche
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: SIX: ROG
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Activase | Roche | Wholly owned |
History of Activase
- Founded: 1987
- Founders: Roche (internal development)
Activase was developed by Roche through extensive research into tissue plasminogen activator for treating acute myocardial infarction. The drug was approved by the FDA in 1987 as a treatment for acute MI. Activase represented a breakthrough in cardiovascular emergency medicine, offering patients a thrombolytic treatment that could restore blood flow to the heart. This innovation marked a significant advancement in emergency cardiac care and established new standards for treating acute coronary events. The development of Activase demonstrated Roche's commitment to addressing critical medical emergencies with innovative therapeutic solutions that could save lives and improve patient outcomes.
The development of Activase involved years of research into fibrinolytic therapy and tissue plasminogen activator. Roche conducted extensive clinical trials demonstrating the drug's efficacy in reducing mortality in acute MI patients. Activase quickly became one of the most prescribed thrombolytic medications globally, transforming emergency department protocols for treating heart attacks. This rapid adoption reflected the drug's significant clinical benefits and its ability to address a critical unmet medical need in emergency cardiovascular care.
Following its initial approval for acute MI, Activase was approved for acute ischemic stroke. The drug's expanded label allowed it to serve a broader patient population with various thromboembolic conditions. Activase became one of Roche's most successful cardiovascular products, demonstrating the company's commitment to developing life-saving emergency treatments. This expansion into stroke treatment further solidified Activase's position as a critical emergency medicine and demonstrated Roche's ability to leverage scientific discoveries across multiple therapeutic areas.
In recent decades, Activase has continued to maintain its position as a leading thrombolytic treatment. The drug has been approved in numerous countries worldwide and has become a standard therapy for acute MI and stroke. Activase remains one of the leading thrombolytic medications in the market, with ongoing research exploring potential applications in other thromboembolic conditions and emergency medicine scenarios. This enduring market presence demonstrates Activase's continued clinical relevance and its established role as a cornerstone of emergency cardiovascular and cerebrovascular care.
About Roche
Roche operates through two main business divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics, creating a unique integrated healthcare company that combines treatment and diagnostic capabilities. This dual focus enables Roche to deliver personalized healthcare solutions, matching patients with the most effective treatments based on diagnostic information and molecular characteristics.
The Pharmaceuticals division develops and manufactures prescription medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, with particular strength in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, and rare diseases. Roche's pharmaceutical portfolio includes both established blockbuster products and innovative new treatments that address significant unmet medical needs. The division maintains a global research and development network with facilities across multiple continents, investing billions annually in pharmaceutical innovation, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals.
The Diagnostics division produces laboratory testing systems, molecular diagnostics, and point-of-care testing devices that support healthcare professionals in disease detection, monitoring, and treatment selection. Roche's diagnostic capabilities include automated laboratory systems, molecular testing platforms, and digital health solutions. The division's integrated approach with pharmaceuticals creates unique advantages in personalized medicine, enabling precise treatment selection based on diagnostic information.
Roche's business philosophy emphasizes innovation, patient-centricity, and sustainable value creation. The company maintains a strong focus on research and development, with approximately 20% of pharmaceutical revenues invested in R&D activities. This investment supports a robust pipeline of new treatments and diagnostic solutions, with 10 key molecules advancing into phase III development in 2025 alone.
Financial performance in 2025 demonstrated the strength of Roche's integrated business model. The company reported 7% sales growth at constant exchange rates to CHF 61.5 billion, with the Pharmaceuticals Division achieving 9% growth and the Diagnostics Division growing 2%. Core operating profit increased by 13%, reflecting operational efficiency and strong demand for both pharmaceutical and diagnostic solutions.
Key growth drivers in 2025 included Phesgo for breast cancer, Xolair for food allergies, Ocrevus for multiple sclerosis, Hemlibra for hemophilia A, and Vabysmo for severe eye diseases. These products demonstrate Roche's strength across multiple therapeutic areas and its ability to deliver innovative treatments that address significant patient needs.
Looking toward 2026, Roche expects Group sales growth in the mid single digit range and core earnings per share growth in the high single digit range at constant exchange rates. The company plans to further increase its dividend, continuing its track record of shareholder returns. For 2026, Roche is shifting focus from consolidation to optimization, emphasizing internal pipeline development and R&D process improvements to enhance productivity and decision-making.
Roche's strategic priorities include investing in programs with potential to redefine care standards, particularly in oncology, neuroscience, and immunology. The company maintains a $10 billion annual budget for potential acquisitions and partnerships, prioritizing strategic fit and scientific differentiation over transaction size. This approach reflects Roche's commitment to long-term value creation and sustainable growth while maintaining operational discipline.
- Founded: 1896
- Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: SIX: ROG
Where Is Activase Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
- Manufacturing / Operations: Switzerland, United States, Germany
Brands Owned by Roche
Activase Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Effective thrombolytic treatment for acute MI and stroke
- +Proven efficacy in reducing mortality in acute MI
- +Approved for multiple thromboembolic indications
- +Backed by extensive clinical research and safety data
- +Supported by Roche's research capabilities and pharmaceutical expertise
- +Available globally with established distribution networks
- +Life-saving treatment for acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events
Considerations
- -High cost as an emergency cardiovascular medication
- -Requires careful patient selection and monitoring
- -Potential for serious bleeding complications
- -Not suitable for patients with certain conditions
- -Requires administration in hospital setting
- -Competition from other thrombolytic agents
- -Potential for adverse reactions in some patients
Frequently Asked Questions About Activase
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