ZURICH (Reuters), CHIEF CHRIS FRANK, Roche’s administrative-board chairman, stated that a broad product pipeline would be able to offset any loss of growth from a recent failure in immuno-oncology research.

Roche failed to stop lung cancer progression in the second trial of its immunotherapy drug tiragolumab. The results shook up Roche shares.

Franz stated that Roche has the advantage of several trials in late stages.

He said, “There are always setbacks. We are used to them…. We had growth expectations. Which have so far been disappointing.”

Roche’s controlling family “knows well the importance of perseverance and patience in the development of any pharma company”, he stated.