Roche set to fully acquire Flatiron Health in $1.9bn deal to accelerate cancer drug development

Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, has announced its plans to fully acquire Flatiron Health, a leading oncology software company, for $1.9 billion. This strategic move aims to fast-track the development of cancer treatments by leveraging Flatiron Health’s advanced data analytics and electronic health records software.

Strategic Expansion in Oncology

The acquisition marks a significant step for Roche, which previously held a 12.6% stake in Flatiron Health following a Series C fundraising round where Flatiron raised $175 million two years ago. Flatiron Health, founded in 2012 and based in New York, has been at the forefront of transforming cancer care through data analysis. It had previously raised $130 million in a Series B round led by Google Ventures in May 2014.

Enhancing Cancer Research and Treatment

Flatiron Health’s software is widely used by cancer doctors across the United States, primarily to manage electronic health records. This technology not only facilitates the management of clinical data but also enhances the efficiency of cancer research and pharmaceutical studies by streamlining patient enrollment in clinical trials. The company’s platform integrates data from a vast network of community oncology practices and academic medical centers, making it a pivotal tool in learning from every cancer patient’s experience.

A Mutual Vision for Improved Cancer Care

Daniel O’Day, CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the alignment of the acquisition with Roche’s personalized healthcare strategy. “This is an important step in our personalized healthcare strategy for Roche, as we believe that regulatory-grade real-world evidence is a key ingredient to accelerate the development of, and access to, new cancer treatments,” said O’Day. He highlighted Flatiron Health’s pivotal role in providing necessary technology and data analytics infrastructure that supports not only Roche but also the broader oncology research and development sector.

Preserving Flatiron Health’s Autonomy and Expansion

A critical aspect of the acquisition is the preservation of Flatiron Health’s operational autonomy. This arrangement ensures that Flatiron can continue to provide its services to all existing and future partners without conflicts of interest, thereby maintaining its role as a neutral player in the oncology research field. Nat Turner, co-founder and CEO of Flatiron Health, commented on the synergy between the two companies: “Roche has been a tremendous partner to us over the past two years and shares our vision for building a learning healthcare platform in oncology ultimately designed to improve the lives of cancer patients.”

Future Prospects and Impact

Post-acquisition, Flatiron Health will continue to operate as a separate legal entity, retaining its current business model, partnerships, and objectives. This structure is intended to facilitate continued innovation and investment in provider-facing technology and evidence-generation platforms, which will remain available to the entire healthcare industry.