Roche to mount big diabetes push

Roche is putting emphasis on its diabetes business by drawing a new line on its org chart, straight from diabetes chief Burkhard Piper to CEO presumptive Severin Schwan. Piper will report directly to Schwan, along with the heads of Roche's pharma and diagnostics divisions. It's evidence of the company's new commitment to the diabetes business--which is understandable, considering the number of patients is expected to skyrocket in coming years.

The company also named a new CEO for the latter position: Juergen Schwiezer, who replaces Schwan in that spot as of January 1. That's when Schwan assumes the role of Roche Group CEO. Schwiezer will have a tough job; Roche is in the middle of a hostile bid for diagnostics powerhouse Ventana.

- see the press release from Roche
- read the article in the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)

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