UPDATE 1-Roche's Hoffmann invests $175 mln in MedAssurant

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ZURICH, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Roche (ROG.VX) Vice-President Andre Hoffmann is investing $175 million in American healthcare data analysis company MedAssurant, raising his stake to just over 15 percent, the group said on Wednesday.

The move means that Hoffmann, who is also joining MedAssurant's board of directors, is now the largest outside shareholder of the company. The group declined to say what his previous stake was.

"With MedAssurant carrying no long-term debt and no longer seeking growth capital, Hoffmann's purchase of shares ... was designed to preserve optimal flexibility for the company's continued growth," MedAssurant said in a statement.

MedAssurant uses data to make treatment of illnesses more efficient and effective. (Reporting by Katie Reid; Editing by Paul Bolding)