Roche announced that it had joined forces with Polyphor to develop an antibiotic to fight a superbug that is increasing disease as per recorded by the hospitals. The contract is signed by Roche regarding an exclusive worldwide licensing with Polyphor to develop and commercialise the latter's experimental antibiotic POL7080. The drug's target is the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which can give rise to life-threatening infections and usually occurs in patients in hospital, as well as members of the broader public who have weakened immune systems. Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounts for one in every 10 hospital-acquired infections in the United States and is listed as one of the six most dangerous drug-resistant microbes.

This disease is mainly caused at urinary tract, respiratory system, joints and bones, and digestive system. The disease is a major hazard for patients suffering with cancer, AIDS, severe burns, and chronic infections such as cystic fibrosis.