Getting drugs to patients faster

Novartis strives to ensure that patients can benefit from new medicines as quickly as possible by increasing the speed of development, designing clinical trials to generate necessary data and collaborating with governments on innovative pricing arrangements for new medicines.

Broad use of computer modeling and simulation

The emphasis on translational medicine and the use of computer modeling and simulation helps Novartis eliminate compounds with liabilities early in the drug discovery process. This means that Novartis scientists can focus on advancing only the most promising drug candidates – an approach that has helped halve the average time required at Novartis to reach proof-of-concept in clinical programs.

Applications of modeling and simulation at Novartis range from high science to market research and health economics. For example, to support development of a novel medicine for spinal cord injury, the team simulated circulation of spinal fluid, incorporating pulsations generated by heartbeat and respiration, as well as adjusting the model for the effect of spinal nerve roots on the flow path. The model resolved key questions about administration of the treatment into the spine.

Modeling and simulation also assists in preparing outcomes and health economic analyses and integrating with portfolio analysis. Still, some of the clearest examples of the potential impact of modeling and simulation have come in priority development programs.

“We are seeing the convergence of regulators and payors toward the common objective of demanding a positive patient outcome with the therapies we provide. Reimbursement and market access increasingly are going to be linked to the ability to demonstrate positive outcomes.”

Joseph Jimenez, Chief Executive Officer of Novartis

Economics of innovation

Novartis strives to lead in healthcare innovation by partnering with payors and health authorities to design clinical trials that generate data to help governments measure the economic benefits of new medicines.

In addition, Novartis collaborates with governments worldwide on new pricing arrangements, including money-back guarantees and other types of performance-based pricing, to accelerate reimbursement negotiations and ensure patients early access to new medicines.