As we research and develop new treatments, we use our unique capabilities as an innovative medicines company to maximize their potential and rapidly reach the largest number of people. We assess our R&D portfolio against the unmet needs of populations across the income pyramid and around the globe, and integrate these needs, as appropriate, into our drug discovery and development strategy. Through various innovative approaches ranging from discovery to development and delivery, we work to make our products available in countries with the highest burden of the disease.
Novartis has the sector’s largest pipeline of potential medicines for malaria and neglected tropical diseases, with 10+ new treatments in the early discovery to late-stage development phases, backed by an investment of more than USD 500m since 2021. This includes potential treatments for malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and cryptosporidiosis.
- In 2025, Novartis investment in areas of neglected disease research defined as R&D priority areas by the Access to Medicine Foundation was USD 144 million. These infectious disease areas have been identified as those where R&D is urgently needed to address treatment gaps for certain conditions and pathogens that are responsible for high disease burdens in low- and middle-income countries. Malaria accounted for about USD 80 million of this investment.
- Each year, Novartis discloses its global health R&D investment at a disease-level to the G-FINDER survey, which tracks annual R&D investment for new products and technologies addressing priority global health challenges.
- Access considerations are key to all our R&D efforts and launches. In 2025, all our launches had a global access strategy. We conduct clinical trials in Africa, for example, to give us insights into the needs of local populations, and work with partners across the continent to ensure sustainable access to innovative medicines through emerging market brands.
- Our innovation process furthermore includes adaptive R&D, which involves modifying existing products for different groups of patients or types of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. The aim is to improve therapeutic efficacy, safety and access to medicine, and — most importantly — to generate a positive health outcome. Most often, this work is done with a specific focus on vulnerable patient groups, such as children or the elderly. We also look for ways to expand the clinical use of existing medicines into new indications and populations.
As we continue our longstanding commitment to reduce the burden of infectious and tropical diseases, we continue to make strides against various conditions, including malaria, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Our work and continued commitment have earned us the #1 ranking in the 2024 Access to Medicine Index — a meaningful acknowledgment of our leadership in this space.