Now come on…is Roche so naive to believe that industry folks will think Genentech is not Roche disguised in sheep’s clothing? I found it strange that Roche has tried to take on the mantle and name of Genentech for its U.S. pharma presence but now the company is quitting the U.S.  industry ethical pharmaceutical giant trade group PhRMA of which it’s been a member since the 1970s. Roche claims that Genentech only needs representation via BIO, the international biotechnology trade organization.

Take note everyone, Roche is now 100% biotech! Or is it as I suspect that Roche may have another agenda in this move–might it be to avoid signing on to PhRMA’s  $80 billion dollar pledge  to White House and key Senate leader Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to help fund health care reform over next 10 years? As part of this deal, the trade group PhRMA will  help close the Medicare Part D coverage gap,  the “doughnut hole”. Has the new Genentech now acquired the ways of  its  frugal “Swiss” banker acquirer not known for community service?  PhRMA reports that they expect Roche to rejoin.

See one of many articles regarding pledge at http://www.nfmpolitico.com/khou/2009/06/20/drug-firms-reach-80-billion-deal/

Audrey