Novartis is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Established in 1996 through a merger between Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, Novartis has since become a global leader in healthcare innovation. The company focuses on the research, development, and manufacturing of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including prescription medicines, oncology treatments, and generics. Novartis is committed to improving and extending people’s lives by addressing major healthcare challenges, particularly in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, ophthalmology, and immunology.
With a presence in over 150 countries and employing more than 100,000 people globally, Novartis is known for its cutting-edge research, advanced therapies, and patient-centric approach. The company invests heavily in research and development (R&D), driving breakthroughs in personalized medicine, gene therapy, and digital health. Novartis continues to make significant strides in transforming the healthcare industry by providing innovative solutions for unmet medical needs.
CEO and Founder of Novartis
The formation of Novartis in 1996 was the result of the merger between two major Swiss companies, Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz. These companies had been pioneers in the healthcare industry, with histories dating back to the 19th century. Today, Novartis is led by Vas Narasimhan, who became the CEO in 2018. Under Narasimhan’s leadership, Novartis has focused on embracing digital transformation and advancing the development of innovative treatments such as cell and gene therapies. His leadership has propelled the company toward becoming a leader in next-generation healthcare solutions, while maintaining its commitment to accessible, affordable medicine globally.
List of Top Companies Under Novartis
Novartis has acquired several companies and established subsidiaries, enhancing its global reach and product offerings. Below is a list of the top companies under Novartis, along with their approximate valuations.
| Company Name | Year Acquired/Founded | Valuation | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandoz | 1886 (Founded) | $25 Billion | Generics and Biosimilars |
| Alcon | 2010 (Acquired) | $30 Billion (Spun off in 2019) | Ophthalmology |
| AveXis | 2018 (Acquired) | $8.7 Billion | Gene Therapy |
| Endocyte | 2018 (Acquired) | $2.1 Billion | Targeted Radioligand Therapy |
| The Medicines Company | 2020 (Acquired) | $9.7 Billion | Cardiovascular Medicines |
| Ziarco Group | 2016 (Acquired) | Undisclosed | Dermatology and Immunology |
| Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA) | 2018 (Acquired) | $3.9 Billion | Radiopharmaceuticals |
| Gyroscope Therapeutics | 2021 (Acquired) | $1.5 Billion | Gene Therapy for Eye Diseases |
FAQs About Novartis
Q1: When was Novartis founded, and how?
A: Novartis was founded in 1996 as a result of the merger between two Swiss pharmaceutical companies, Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz. Both companies had long histories in the healthcare and chemicals industries.
Q2: Who is the current CEO of Novartis?
A: The current CEO of Novartis is Vas Narasimhan, who has held the position since 2018. He has led the company’s push toward innovation and digital transformation.
Q3: What is Sandoz, and how is it related to Novartis?
A: Sandoz is a subsidiary of Novartis that focuses on generics and biosimilars. It operates as a major player in the production of affordable medicines worldwide.
Q4: What is Novartis’ role in gene therapy?
A: Novartis has made significant investments in gene therapy, particularly through its acquisition of AveXis, which developed Zolgensma, a breakthrough treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Q5: How does Novartis contribute to global healthcare?
A: Novartis contributes to global healthcare by providing innovative treatments in areas such as oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular health. The company also focuses on making healthcare more accessible through its generics arm, Sandoz.
