As we research and develop new treatments, we consider how to maximize their potential to 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 approaches ranging from discovery to development and delivery, we work to make our products available in countries with the highest burden of the disease.
- Since 2021, Novartis has invested ~USD 490 million in R&D to sustain and expand its global health pipeline — keeping momentum where others have scaled back.
- 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 (including treatments for malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, Chagas, sickle cell disease).
- 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 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.
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.
Our innovation process furthermore includes adaptive R&D, which involves modifying existing products for different types of patients or diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. The aim is to improve therapeutic efficacy, safety and access to medicine, as well as — 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.
We continue our longstanding commitment to reduce the burden of infectious and tropical diseases, and continue to make strides against various conditions, including malaria, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.