Mr Hartmann, as Global Head of Roche Information Solutions, how do you define the term ‘innovation’ at Roche, especially in the context of healthcare? What role will Roche play in this future?
Healthcare innovation at Roche means matching our vision of doing what patients need next, with action and commitment in the development of transformative therapeutics and diagnostics through a strong R&D pipeline and collaboration with a strong network of external partners.
Roche has been at the forefront of scientific and technological progress for over 125 years - and the same is true today when it comes to innovation through digital technologies.
The future of healthcare is connected, patient-focused and value-driven. As healthcare systems face increasingly complex challenges, I believe that focusing on digital health is an important step in preparing for the future and continuing our legacy of improving care in increasingly digitalised healthcare.
Which technologies do you see as the driving forces behind the digital transformation in healthcare? How is Roche using these technologies?
There are a lot of exciting innovations and technologies in healthcare today - from harnessing big data and the use of data analytics to precision medicine and artificial intelligence. If used well, these technologies can enhance how healthcare is delivered and ultimately help drive better patient care.
Roche has been building a digital strategy, portfolio and capabilities that bring to reality the potential that digital health solutions provide in transforming the entire continuum of care.
The ultimate goal is to provide integrated digital health solutions that are connected across labs, clinics and homes. These connected solutions can then support healthcare decisions along the care continuum - from prevention to diagnosis, treatment decision-making, therapy and disease management - ultimately leading to better patient care.
What role do artificial intelligence (AI) and big data play in Roche' current and future projects? Can you give an example of an application that is already having a positive impact on patient care?
Roche has been at the forefront of scientific and technological progress for over 125 years - and the same is true today with AI.
Digital and AI-based technologies are a major opportunity for Roche and for patients. AI lets us utilise data more quickly and create new solutions at unprecedented scale and speed, accelerating innovation, delivering value, and expanding access to better healthcare. At Roche, our data capabilities and long-standing scientific experience allow us to optimally apply AI's benefits in our work to further innovate healthcare.
One example close to me is how artificial Intelligence has been used in our clinical decision-support systems, helping healthcare professionals with clinical decision-support solutions with digital biomarkers and our navify® Algorithm Suite solution where we utilise AI-driven algorithms that help predict lower gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer. AI is also being used to enhance the predictive functionalities of our CGM solution.
Which emerging trends or technologies do you think will have the biggest impact on healthcare in the coming years? How is Roche preparing for this?
I believe that artificial intelligence along with its capacity to harness large pools of data can have a very consequential impact on how healthcare is delivered in the future. The potential is immense. But I believe AI must be implemented safely, ethically and responsibly.
At Roche, we are committed to the ethical use of AI through rigorous adherence to legal standards, industry guidelines, and ethical principles. They ensure the transparency and explainability of AI models and take proactive steps to detect and mitigate biases, thus ensuring fairness in their applications. At Roche, protecting patient data is a top priority, achieved through robust privacy and security measures.
We also assess the potential risks that may result from the use of AI systems and take measures to mitigate these risks during both the development and deployment of AI solutions and also monitor for any unforeseen outcomes of using AI.
From your global perspective, what is the significance of ‘Innovation for Healthcare’ in a national context and what are you particularly looking forward to at the conference?
A conference such as 'Future Health Lausanne: Innovation for Healthcare' is a great platform to meet like-minded healthcare leaders and get the opportunity to discuss how we can work together in advancing healthcare innovation for patients and society. It's a privilege to be part of this year's programme and I'm looking forward to speaking and listening to all the innovators joining the panel. I’m excited to join you all in Lausanne this October.
Thank you Mr. Hartmann for the interview.