Novartis AG is a leading global healthcare company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Founded in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, Novartis has established itself as a major player in the pharmaceutical industry[^1]. ## Company Overview Novartis focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of prescription and generic pharmaceutical products, as well as eye care products. The company's portfolio covers a wide range of therapeutic areas, including: - Cancer - Cardiovascular diseases - Dermatological conditions - Neurological disorders - Ophthalmic and respiratory diseases - Immune disorders - Infections Novartis operates through two main divisions: 1. Innovative Medicines: Prescription drugs 2. Sandoz: Generic medicines and biosimilars ## Key Figures - Revenue (2023): US$45.44 billion[^2] - Operating income (2023): US$9.77 billion[^2] - Employees: Approximately 108,000[^3] - Global presence: Operations in over 90 countries[^3] ## Research and Innovation Novartis places a strong emphasis on research and development: - The Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) conducts research in various disease areas[^4]. - As of 2024, the company has over 710 pipeline drugs in development[^4]. - Novartis has been involved in more than 6,700 clinical trials[^4]. ## Recent Developments - **Q3 2024 Financial Results**: - Revenue: US$13.2 billion (up 8.9% from Q3 2023) - Net income: US$3.19 billion (up 111% from Q3 2023) - Profit margin: 24% (up from 13% in Q3 2023)[^5] - **Strategic Focus**: Novartis has transformed from a broadly based health company to a focused drug company[^6]. - **Key Acquisitions and Divestitures**: - 2018: Acquired AveXis (gene therapy specialist) - 2019: Spun off Alcon (eye care division) as an independent company - 2020: Acquired The Medicines Company (biotechnology firm)[^6] ## Leadership - CEO: Vasant Narasimhan, M.D. (since 2018) - Chairman: Joerg Reinhardt, Ph.D. (since 2013)[^4] Novartis continues to innovate and adapt to the changing healthcare landscape, focusing on developing breakthrough treatments and improving patient outcomes worldwide. ## Citations [^1]: https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/novartis-ag/ [^2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novartis [^3]: https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/novartis-ag/ [^4]: https://www.novartis.com/about [^5]: https://simplywall.st/stocks/ch/pharmaceuticals-biotech/vtx-novn/novartis-shares/news/novartis-third-quarter-2024-earnings-beats-expectations [^6]: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/q3-2024-media-release-en.pdf