TIME has included Victor Bultó, President of Novartis US, and Thierry Diagana, Global Head of Global Health and California Sites Head, Biomedical Research at Novartis, in the 2026 TIME100 Health list.
Selected by TIME’s editors in collaboration with leading experts around the world, the list celebrates individuals across science, medicine, advocacy, education, and policy who are driving tangible, credible change for people around the world. The recognition of Novartis’ work in both bringing cutting-edge cancer care to patients and taking on the biggest issues in global health with next-gen malaria treatments underscores the transformative work happening across the company aspiring to improve health outcomes globally through breakthrough science and sustainable impact.
Radioligand therapy as the next evolution in cancer care
As President of Novartis US, Victor Bulto is recognized for his leadership in pioneering the adoption of radioligand therapy (RLT) in the United States. RLT represents one of the most promising breakthroughs in oncology today—an innovation that merges the precision of molecular targeting with the therapeutic power of radiation.
Under his stewardship, Novartis has shaped the entire ecosystem, helping establish this cutting-edge modality as a more accessible option for patients.
Our goal is to bring science to life—not just in major cancer centers, but in every community where patients can benefit. Radioligand therapy has the power to fundamentally transform cancer care, and we are proving that it can be delivered reliably, safely, and at scale. This is just the beginning of unlocking the full potential of this platform.
Victor Bultó, President of Novartis US
Over the past eight years, Novartis has made bold, early investments to future-proof its leadership in this field, building uniquely advanced RLT manufacturing and delivery infrastructure. Today, Novartis maintains a highly reliable supply chain with over 99.9% of doses delivered on the planned day, ensuring patients receive treatments precisely when needed.
This investment is paired with an unprecedented effort to expand access: Novartis has now enabled more than 700 treatment centers across the US, placing 90% of patients within 30 miles of an RLT site, and equips healthcare providers with standardized protocols, training, and operational support.
“Novartis has a long track record of pioneering new treatment approaches. By being at the cutting-edge of innovation, we have learned that the way we bring breakthrough medicines and technologies to patients, needs to be as innovative as the science itself,” Victor reflects. “Our progress so far would not have been possible without the relentless efforts across our teams – from research and development, to manufacturing, supply chain and commercialization.”
Novartis doesn’t stop at advancing today’s standards of care. We go further and are exploring a diverse portfolio of new isotopes, ligands and combination therapies to expand the use of RLTs beyond prostate and neuroendocrine tumors, and into breast, colon, lung and pancreatic cancer, with 20+ programs in the pipeline.
While the Novartis teams working on RLT are transforming cancer care, another Novartis team is driving breakthrough progress in global health at a time of need—demonstrating the breadth of innovation and impact shaping the company’s mission worldwide.
Advancing the next generation of antimalarial treatments
Thierry Diagana, Global Head of Global Health and California Sites Head, Biomedical Research, is honored for breakthrough innovation in malaria. His work—including the discovery of a novel compound that has shown the potential to address resistant strains of the malaria parasite and is driving the next generation of antimalarials—reflects deep scientific leadership and a commitment to tackling diseases disproportionately affecting communities in low- and middle-income countries. If authorized by regulators, this would represent the first major innovation in malaria treatment in over 25 years.
We started investigating potential new antimalarial compounds almost two decades ago. We leveraged the full arsenal of our research capabilities in the U.S., including robotic arms that screened nearly 2.3 million different molecules. We were hoping to identify unique starting points that could be used to design novel drugs for the treatment of malaria.
Thierry Diagana, Global Head of Global Health and California Sites Head, Biomedical Research at Novartis
And the diligent search was worth the effort. In 2025, a Phase III trial investigating a next-generation malaria treatment that includes the new compound met its primary endpoint, showing potential to address antimalarial resistance and block onward transmission. The treatment candidate is one of four new antimalarials currently in development as part of the sector’s largest pipeline for malaria and neglected tropical diseases.
“For a disease as complex as malaria, you need to have multiple shots on the target,” says Thierry. “The fact that we’re advancing several potential treatments in parallel is the result of the hard work and commitment of thousands of people over many years. Together, we may have crafted a tool that could help humanity turn the tide on malaria – I cannot possibly imagine a greater honor.”
We extend our warmest congratulations to both Victor and Thierry on this well deserved recognition. This recognition reflects not only their leadership but the collective commitment of Novartis teams who, through their expertise and passion, exemplify the company’s purpose of reimagining medicine, together—delivering breakthrough innovations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients worldwide.
View the full 2026 TIME100 Health list and honoree profiles.
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- Innovating for America: How Our New RLT Manufacturing Site Can Help Ensure Continued On Time Delivery to Patients Now and in Future | Novartis United States of America
- Radioligand Therapy | Novartis
- Novartis Phase III trial for next-generation malaria treatment KLU156 (GanLum) meets primary endpoint, with potential to combat antimalarial resistance | Novartis
- Thierry Diagana shares the vision for a new research hub that will power future drug discovery