Novartis

Novartis, a global healthcare company based in Switzerland, was formed on March 7, 1996, through the merger of two Swiss companies: Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz Laboratories. The merger created one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, focusing on innovative medicines, generic pharmaceuticals, and eye care products. Novartis is committed to science-based innovation and addressing some of society’s most challenging healthcare issues.

In 2006, Novartis acquired the California-based Chiron Corporation, a leading biotechnology company, for approximately $5.4 billion. This acquisition was strategic for Novartis as it strengthened its vaccines and diagnostics division. Chiron’s expertise in vaccines, diagnostics, and biologics complemented Novartis’s existing portfolio, enabling the company to become a major player in the global vaccines market. This move also provided Novartis with a foothold in the biotechnology sector.

On April 9, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Gilenya (fingolimod) as the first oral treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Developed by Novartis, Gilenya represented a significant advancement in MS treatment, offering patients a more convenient alternative to injectable therapies. The drug works by trapping immune cells in the lymph nodes, preventing them from attacking the central nervous system. Gilenya marked a milestone in Novartis's commitment to neuroscience.

On December 20, 2012, Novartis announced the acquisition of CoStim Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on immunotherapies for cancer treatment. This acquisition was part of Novartis's strategy to build a strong portfolio in immuno-oncology, a rapidly growing field that leverages the immune system to fight cancer. CoStim's developments in checkpoint inhibitors and immune modulation were seen as crucial in enhancing Novartis’s research and development capabilities, aiding in the creation of effective cancer therapies.

In February 2015, Novartis launched the Novartis Access program aimed at providing access to affordable medicines in low- and middle-income countries. This program offered a portfolio of 15 on- and off-patent medicines addressing key non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and breast cancer. By offering these medicines at a cost of $1 per treatment per month, Novartis sought to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by increasing access to medicine to underserved populations.

On March 27, 2018, Novartis acquired AveXis, a gene therapy company, for $8.7 billion. This acquisition aimed to bolster Novartis's capabilities in gene therapy with AveXis’s expertise notably in therapies targeting rare neurological genetic diseases. AveXis's innovative platform and lead product, which became known later as Zolgensma, were central to this strategic expansion. The acquisition underscored Novartis's commitment to pioneering transformative treatments for diseases with high unmet needs, advancing its mission to improve patient outcomes.

On May 24, 2019, the FDA approved Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec), a gene therapy developed by Novartis for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in pediatric patients under 2 years of age. Zolgensma is a one-time infusion that addresses the genetic root cause of SMA by delivering a fully functional copy of the human SMN gene. The approval of Zolgensma marked a major milestone in gene therapy and provided a transformative treatment option for children with this debilitating and life-threatening disease.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Novartis decided to donate up to 130 million doses of hydroxychloroquine to support the global fight against the virus. On April 21, 2020, the company announced the donation, which intended to support clinical research needs and treat patients who were part of clinical trials related to COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine was considered a potential treatment for the virus during the early stages of the pandemic. This donation underscored Novartis's commitment to worldwide pandemic relief efforts.

On August 4, 2022, Novartis announced its intention to carve out Sandoz, its generics and biosimilars division, to concentrate on innovative medicines. The decision was part of Novartis's strategic focus on its core strengths in pharmaceutical innovation, particularly in high-value areas such as oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. Striving to become a more focused medicines company, Novartis aimed to drive shareholder value by enhancing its position in the competitive pharmaceutical industry through strategic realignment.

On May 9, 2023, Novartis unveiled its revamped research strategy focused on technological advancements and enhanced collaboration with research institutes globally. By embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Novartis aims to accelerate drug discovery and development processes. The new strategy emphasizes a patient-centric approach, facilitating personalized medicine and ensuring access to breakthrough therapies. This strategic pivot reinforces Novartis's role as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation and transformation.