Novartis (NYSE:NVS) is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. As one of the world’s leading healthcare firms, Novartis engages in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of a broad portfolio of innovative medicines. Its core business is organized into two main divisions: Innovative Medicines, which focuses on patented prescription drugs in areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience and ophthalmology; and Sandoz, a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars.
Within its Innovative Medicines division, Novartis has developed several blockbuster treatments, including Gleevec (imatinib) for certain cancers, Cosentyx for immunological disorders, and Entresto for heart failure. The Sandoz unit supplies a wide range of affordable generic drugs across key therapeutic areas and invests in biosimilar versions of complex biologics. Together, these divisions support a lifecycle approach from early‐stage discovery and clinical development to global commercialization.
Novartis was formed in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz Laboratories, combining a long legacy of pharmaceutical and chemical research. This fusion created a diversified healthcare company with deep roots dating back to the 19th century. In February 2018, Vas Narasimhan, M.D., succeeded as Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a strategic focus on digital innovation and precision medicine.
Operating in more than 140 countries, Novartis maintains research facilities, manufacturing sites and commercial offices across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The company collaborates with academic institutions, biotechnology firms and public health organizations to advance treatments for both common and rare diseases worldwide.
