Singapore: In the light of reports of Roche's anticipation to take 100 percent stake in Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical growing strong in the industry, Chugai has clarified that, 'the company is in no way in the process of reviewing any plan to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roche, nor is discussing with Roche about such a transaction'.

Chugai has further clarified in a statement that, 'There was a media report regarding Roche's intention to own 100 percent of Chugai shares. This report is not based on any announcement made by Chugai or Roche.'

So far, Roche has not given any clarification on the reports.

Roche currently holds 61.3 percent stake in Chugai. The alliance was made in 2002, with an initial stake of 50.1 percent that was subsequently raised to 59.9 percent in 2008. The current reports of Roche hiking the claims to 100 percent were seen as a move to expand its expertise and presence in Asia. Roche has currently been on an expansion spree and recently announced its plans to acquire Santaris Pharma that would give Roche access to Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) platform that has contributed to an emerging era of RNA-targeting therapeutics.

The alliance between Roche and Chugai has led to co-development of Avastin for colorectal cancer, Copegus in combination with Pegasys for hepatitis C and Tarceva for lung cancer for Asia.