Focused diversification
Novartis strategy is based on focused diversification. Our uniquely broad business portfolio focuses on science-based healthcare sectors that are growing, reward innovation and enhance the lives of patients. Innovation is fundamental to our business. In 2010, we invested 16% of net sales across our divisions in R&D (20% of Pharmaceuticals net sales), and we will sustain our high level of investment.
Novartis is consistently rated as having one of the industry’s most respected pharmaceutical development pipelines with 135 projects in pharmaceutical clinical development.
“A broad, diversified portfolio is going to become increasingly important as more and more payors look for low-cost generics and preventive vaccines as complements to innovative pharmaceuticals.”
Joseph Jimenez, Chief Executive Officer of Novartis.
Novartis has a long-established track record of leadership in pharmaceutical research. We also leverage this core R&D competence across our other divisions, sharing research findings and knowledge throughout our organization.
To transform eye care possibilities into therapeutic realities, Alcon makes the largest corporate commitment to research and development in the eye care industry. Alcon is planning to spend approximately USD 4 billion in R&D over the next five years to drive research and new product development in eye care. Additionally, Alcon has the opportunity to partner with the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) to accelerate product innovation for the eye.
Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, is the world leader in biosimilars, biologic medicines that have lost patent protection. During the next five years, patents will expire on biologics with global sales of USD 64 billion and Sandoz is positioned to take full advantage of that opportunity.
Flu and the emerging meningococcal franchise will be key growth drivers for the Vaccines and Diagnostics Division. The division also has a broad pipeline of new vaccines under development.
Animal Health and OTC have built successful franchises by developing self-medication and veterinary formulations of prescription medicines.
