Who / What
Novartis AG is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in Basel. It develops and markets a broad portfolio of prescription drugs and medical technologies.
Background & History
Novartis AG was established as a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in Basel. Over the years it has become one of the largest pharmaceutical companies worldwide. In 2015, the company sold its diclofenac product Voltaren to GlaxoSmithKline in a significant deal. By 2024, Novartis ranked as the eighth largest company by revenue among pharma firms.
Why Notable
The company’s expansive research and development has led to landmark products such as Gleevec, a breakthrough in leukemia treatment. Novartis also produces essential medications including Tegretol for epilepsy and Diovan for hypertension. Its global presence and scale influence pharmaceutical markets and healthcare policies worldwide. The company’s portfolio spans therapeutic areas from oncology to psychiatric disorders, underscoring its broad medical impact.
In the News
In 2024, Novartis remained among the top pharmaceutical companies by revenue, ranking eighth globally. The launch of its updated Ritalin production line at Sandoz in 2023 highlights ongoing growth in the stimulant therapeutics market.
