Test designed to screen resistance to cancer drug

(Reuters) – Researchers in Japan have designed a test to identify patients who are likely to be resistant to imatinib, the standard drug for treating leukemia or cancer of the blood cells.

Such a test is important as imatinib resistance occurs usually to relapse patients, who tend to deteriorate very rapidly if they are given the wrong treatment.

In a paper published in Clinical Cancer Research on Thursday, the scientists said they developed a test which will help doctors tell if a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is resistant to imatinib.

Imatinib, known by the brand Gleevac, is sold by Novartis AG to treat CML and other cancers. It blocks the enzymes of cancer cells instead of killing all rapidly multiplying cells.

“Most patients are sensitive to imatinib when they are diagnosed with CML, but resistance can indeed be acquired during or after imatinib treatment,” said Yusuke Ohba, an associate professor at Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine.

“Even in cases where resistance develops or becomes apparent gradually, the most critical issue is what to switch over to. If the patient is switched to another (treatment) to which he/she is also resistant, the treatment will just be a waste of time and detrimental to the patient’s condition.”

“With our test, we can identify the most suitable drug, dose and/or drug combination, enabling therapy to be tailor-made for each individual patient. I believe this approach will make CML care more accurate and effective,” he said in an email reply to questions from Reuters.

New drugs being developed for treating CML claim to overcome imatinib resistance, but until now, it is difficult to tell who has that resistance.

Using this test developed by Ohba and his colleagues, blood samples are collected from patients and then cultured and tested to see if they are resistant to imatinib.

These tests should help doctors determine if the patient may require stronger doses, combination therapy, or other drugs, Ohba said.

(Reporting by Tan Ee Lyn; Editing by Sugita Katyal)

Novartis Launches New Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever Liquid for Children as Safe Over-the-Counter Treatment Option

PARSIPPANY, N.Y., July 27 /PRNewswire/ — Novartis announces the introduction of Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever, the only branded over-the-counter children’s liquid acetaminophen product currently available nationwide in the US. Triaminic® now offers parents a product that combines the pain relieving and fever-reducing power of acetaminophen with the brand that has been trusted by pediatricians and parents for more than 50 years.

“Given the lack of availability of some over-the-counter children’s analgesic products, parents and caregivers have been confused and concerned about what to give their children to temporarily reduce a fever or relieve headaches and minor sore throat pain,” said Jennifer Trachtenberg, MD, practicing pediatrician and chief pediatric officer of www.RealAge.com. “It is important that parents know there are safe and effective treatment options now available from brands they know and trust. If parents have any questions about which over-the-counter options are most appropriate for their kids, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist.”

To help parents restock their medicine cabinets with a reliable option, Novartis is giving away up to 250,000 bottles of Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever in the US, valued at USD 1.5 million. Between August 2 – 8, 2010, parents can purchase a bottle of Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever and submit the original receipt and proof of purchase, along with a rebate form that can be obtained by registering at www.triaminicgiveaway.com(1) to receive a refund for the purchase price of the product(2). For full details, go to www.triaminicgiveaway.com.

“Triaminic® is the leading children’s cough and cold brand(3) and children’s health has been the brand’s sole focus for more than 50 years. We feel it is important to now offer parents a dependable fever reducer and pain reliever product for their children,” said Charlie Hough, OTC North America Region Head, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. “By giving away up to 250,000 bottles of Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever, we will make it even easier for parents to have access to the only children’s liquid acetaminophen product now available nationally from a trusted brand name.”

Focus on Kids’ Health and Appropriate Use of Children’s Medicines

Children’s health and wellness is the number one priority of the Triaminic® brand. In addition to the free product offer, www.triaminic.com also provides helpful tips and information for parents from Dr. Trachtenberg about keeping children healthy and ensuring the safe and appropriate use of children’s medicines.

* Know the active ingredients: It’s important to carefully read the labels on all children’s medications and understand the active ingredients, especially if you are giving them multiple medications. Knowing what’s in your child’s medicine will help you determine if it’s the right course of treatment to best ensure your child is on the road to recovery.
* Consider a little TLC: In addition to an over-the-counter fever reducer and pain reliever, Dr. Trachtenberg always recommends her version of TLC: Time, Love and a Couch. Take time to sit with your sick child in a comfortable, quiet place, like the living room couch, put a cool compress on her head and gently rub her temples until the fever and pain subside. If your child’s symptoms continue, call your pediatrician.

Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever and all Triaminic® products meet rigorous Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Novartis adheres to these guidelines at its manufacturing sites to ensure that Triaminic® products are safe, effective and meet these strict quality and purity standards.

Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever temporarily reduces fever and relieves minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, headache, minor sore throat, and toothache. The product is intended for children ages 2 -11 and is available in grape and bubble gum flavors. Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever is available at drug stores, grocery stores and retail stores nationwide. For more information, go to www.triaminic.com.

About Triaminic®

Triaminic products are safe and effective when used as directed, and have been relieving children’s cough and cold symptoms for more than 50 years. Trusted by parents and caregivers, the Triaminic brand has a full line of children’s cough, cold, allergy and analgesic products that meets a variety of children’s – and parents – needs. For more information, please visit www.triaminic.com.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as “will,” or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential future revenues from Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of management regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever will achieve any particular levels of revenue in the future. In particular, management’s expectations regarding Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or government regulation generally; competition in general; industry and general public pricing pressures; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the Novartis Group’s assets and liabilities as recorded in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2009, the Group’s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 44.3 billion, while approximately USD 7.5 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 102,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

References

(1) While supplies last. 250,000 rebate forms will be available at www.triaminicgiveaway.com

(2) Up to $6.99

(3) Based on IRI FDMx latest 4 weeks ending June 6, 2010

Novartis Media Relations

Central media line : +41 61 324 2200

Eric Althoff

Novartis Global Media Relations

+41 61 324 7999 (direct)

+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)

eric.althoff@novartis.com

Julie Masow

Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.

+1 973 503 7663 (direct)

+1 862 579 8456 (mobile)

julie.masow@novartis.com

e-mail: media.relations@novartis.com

Novartis Investor Relations

Central phone:

+41 61 324 7944

Susanne Schaffert

+41 61 324 3769

North America:

Pierre-Michel Bringer

+41 61 324 1065

Richard Jarvis

+1 212 830 2433

Thomas Hungerbuehler

+41 61 324 8425

Jill Pozarek

+1 212 830 2445

Isabella Zinck

+41 61 324 7188

Edwin Valeriano

+1 212 830 2456

e-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

e-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

Novartis International AG: Novartis delivers strong financial performance in second quarter, underpinned by increased momentum in innovation

Novartis International AG / Novartis delivers strong financial performance in second
quarter, underpinned by increased momentum in innovation processed and transmitted by
Hugin AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

*

Double-digit growth in the second quarter with excellent contributions from all
divisions

*

Net sales up 11% (+12% in constant currencies, or cc)to USD 11.7 billion; first half up
18% (+15% cc) to USD 23.8 billion

*

Operating income grows 25% (+24% cc) to USD 3.0 billion; core operating income up 23%
(+23% cc) to USD 3.3 billion

*

Core margin improves by 2.7 percentage points to 28% of net sales

*

EPS up 18% (+17% cc) to USD 1.06; core EPS rises 14% (+14% cc) to USD 1.20

*

Free cash flow before dividends up 24% (USD 2.4 billion); first half free cash flow up
54% to USD 5.3 billion

*

Strong performance driven by continued portfolio rejuvenation and innovation

*

Unanimous FDA Advisory Committee recommendation for FTY720 approval as therapy for
multiple sclerosis

*

US approval of Tasigna as first-line therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia

*

Group’s recently launched products contribute 21% of net sales (USD 2.4 billion); USD
5.5 billion for first half

*

Oncology franchise showcased at ASCO with 170 abstracts highlighting investigational
uses of current therapies and new agents

Key figures

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Net sales 11 716 10 546 11 12 23 847 20 255 18 15
Operating income 2 961 2 364 25 24 6 472 4 711 37 33
Net income 2 437 2 044 19 18 5 385 4 019 34 29
EPS (USD) 1.06 0.90 18 17 2.34 1.76 33 28
Free cash flow[1] 2 368 1 916 24 5 271 3 422 54
Core[2]
Operating income 3 276 2 663 23 23 7 141 5 274 35 32
Net income 2 771 2 394 16 15 6 080 4 696 29 25
EPS (USD) 1.20 1.05 14 14 2.65 2.06 29 24

24

[1] Before dividends

[2] Core results for operating income, net income and earnings per share (EPS) eliminate
the amortization of intangible assets, the impact of acquisition-related factors and
other significant exceptional items. See page 44 for further information.

Basel, July 15, 2010 – Commenting on the results, Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, said:
“I am pleased that Novartis once again delivered strong above-market, double-digit
growth in the second quarter of 2010. Our results were driven by our success in
innovation across the portfolio, as recently launched products comprised 21% of Group
sales. We are making great progress on all three strategic priorities of innovation,
growth and productivity.”

GROUP REVIEW

Second quarter

Novartis delivered a strong performance in the second quarter of 2010 – with the rapid
expansion of recently launched products and important regulatory approvals achieved for
new medicines – as the Group made progress on its agenda on innovation, growth and
productivity.

Net sales rose 11% (+12% cc) to USD 11.7 billion with currency movements depressing the
result by 1 percentage point. Rejuvenation of the portfolio continued with recently
launched products generating sales of USD 2.4 billion – 21% of total sales including
A(H1N1) pandemic vaccines. For the Group, volume grew by 12 percentage points, price was
a negative 1 percentage point and acquisitions contributed 1 percentage point.
Pharmaceuticals (USD 7.7 billion, +8% cc) advanced in all regions and maintained solid
volume growth. Vaccines and Diagnostics (USD 0.6 billion, +135% cc) achieved
considerable gains, including USD 0.2 billion from recognition of A(H1N1) pandemic
vaccine sales. Sandoz (USD 2.0 billion, +13% cc) grew on successful new product launches
and the contribution of EBEWE Pharma. All Consumer Health businesses (USD 1.5 billion,
+7% cc) had strong performances.

Operating income rose 25% (+24% cc) to USD 3.0 billion including 1 percentage point from
favorable currency movements. Operating income includes a pension gain of USD 265
million, offset by provisions for litigation and legal settlements of USD 231 million
and impairments of assets of USD 82 million. The operating income margin improved 2.9
percentage points to 25.3% of net sales from 22.4% in the 2009 period. Core operating
income, which excludes exceptional items and amortization of intangible assets in both
periods, rose 23% (+23% cc) to USD 3.3 billion, and the core operating income margin
rose 2.7 percentage points to 28.0% of net sales.

Earnings per share (EPS) increased 18% (+17% cc) to USD 1.06 while core EPS was up 14%
(14% cc) in the second quarter to USD 1.20.

First half

In the first half of the year, Novartis Group net sales rose by 18% (+15% cc) to USD
23.8 billion. Recently launched products generated sales of USD 5.5 billion, 23% of net
sales. Sales benefitted from 3 percentage points in currency movements. Volume grew by
16 percentage points, price was negative 2 percentage points and acquisitions
contributed 1 percentage point. All regions of our Pharmaceuticals organization advanced
(USD 15 billion, +8% cc) and maintained solid volume growth. Recognition of A(H1N1)
pandemic vaccine sales provided USD 1.3 billion for Vaccines and Diagnostics, which
achieved significant growth overall (USD 1.9 billion, +287% cc). Sandoz had a strong
first half and grew (USD 4.0 billion, +11% cc) due to the successful launch of new
products and the acquisition of EBEWE Pharma. All Consumer Health businesses (USD 3.0
billion, +7% cc) outperformed their markets.

Operating income rose 37% (+33% cc) to USD 6.5 billion including 4 percentage points of
favorable currency movements. Included in operating income is a one-time pension gain of
USD 265 million offset by litigation charges totaling USD 237 million and impairments
totaling USD 147 million. The first half of 2010 operating income margin improved 3.8
percentage points to 27.1% of net sales, up from 23.3% in the first half of 2009. Core
operating income, which excludes exceptional items and amortization of intangible assets
in both periods, rose 35% (+32% cc) to USD 7.1 billion. The first half of 2010 core
operating income margin rose 3.9 percentage points to 29.9% of net sales.

Earnings per share (EPS) in the first half of 2010 increased by 33% (+28% cc) to USD
2.34, while core EPS was up 29% (+24% cc) to USD 2.65 in the first half of 2010.

Delivering innovation, growth and productivity

Our above-market success in the second quarter of 2010 reinforces our focus on three
strategic priorities, which together enable us to deliver life-saving medicines for
patients and greater value for investors. These priorities are: (1) extending our lead
in innovation by focusing on diseases with significant unmet need and delivering
positive patient outcomes; (2) accelerating growth across all divisions through tailored
commercial models that leverage our broad portfolio and expansion in emerging markets;
and (3) driving productivity across our business to continue improving margins and
reinvesting for future growth.

By focusing on these three areas, Novartis achieved strong growth in the second quarter
despite challenges and volatility in the external environment. The diversity of our
portfolio and our capacity to innovate across it provides a degree of insulation from
dynamics such as the debt crisis and the increasing drive by governments toward
healthcare cost containment.

Novartis has continued to deliver above-market growth by capturing the opportunities of
rising global demand for medicines. At the core of this success is a sustained
commitment to innovation, which has resulted in breakthrough products across our
portfolio offering patients opportunities for improved health outcomes. Our ability to
thrive in a challenging environment is consistent with our goal of becoming the world’s
most successful and respected healthcare company.

Extending our lead in innovation

Consistent R&D investment, differentiated new medicines and an industry-leading number
of product approvals are the drivers of innovation at Novartis. We continue to
strengthen our pipeline and have 58 new molecular entities in development.

We are encouraged by the recent unanimous recommendation by the US FDA Advisory
Committee for approval of FTY720, an oral therapy for the treatment of multiple
sclerosis, a life-long debilitating disease affecting 2.5 million patients worldwide.
Clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy and safety of FTY720, with participants
showing reduced relapses and delayed disease progression.

Our oncology franchise continues to strengthen its competitive position – 170 abstracts
were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting -
demonstrating the scale and breadth of our portfolio. Tasigna, our second drug under
priority review by the FDA this year, was approved for first-line treatment of newly
diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), providing a major advance for patients with
blood cancer. At ASCO, we presented strong data that showed Tasigna surpassing Glivec in
slowing disease progression for newly diagnosed CML patients. Demonstrating the
potential efficacy of Afinitor against multiple cancers, a study presented at ASCO
showed successful reduction of benign brain tumors (subependymal giant cell
astrocytomas) associated with tuberous sclerosis in 75% of patients, which led to filing
in the US and priority review designation. Separate Phase III study data released July
1, 2010 showed that Afinitor more than doubles the time without tumor growth in advanced
pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients. Additionally, RADIANT 2, a placebo-controlled
Phase III study of Afinitor in combination with Sandostatin LAR versus Sandostatin LAR
alone in patients with advanced carcinoid tumors missed the primary endpoint by a very
small statistical margin (progression-free survival Hazard Ratio = 0.77 in favor of
Afinitor, p = 0.026 versus p=0.024 predefined). An imbalance in baseline between the two
treatment arms was observed and will be further investigated. Full data will be
discussed with the Health Authorities in the context of the upcoming submission. Another
key ASCO study demonstrated that the addition of Zometa to first-line chemotherapy
treatment improved survival by 16% for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.

Our research strategy utilizes a unique disease pathways approach that can lead to the
discovery of medicines effective across many therapeutic areas. This strategy generally
starts with small indications where the pathway is best characterized before branching
out into commercially larger fields. Consistent with this focused research strategy, new
Phase II data demonstrates that ACZ885, currently marketed as Ilaris for the rare
disease cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), provided highly statistically
significant risk reduction of acute flares in gout patients compared to the
anti-inflammatory standard of care.

Sandoz continues to have success expanding its pipeline and portfolio of differentiated
products. In the second quarter, Sandoz completed the acquisition of Oriel Therapeutics,
providing exclusive rights to three promising projects for asthma and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as access to their novel FreePath(TM) drug
delivery technology and Solis(TM) dry powder inhaler. Completion of the EBEWE
acquisition last year has also positioned Sandoz to play a leading role in the rapidly
growing market for generic oncology injectables.

Sandoz is the only generics company with 3 biosimilar products on the market providing
invaluable insight into the successful exploitation of this major strategic opportunity:
Zarzio, a treatment for low white blood cell count associated with chemotherapy
treatment or advanced HIV infection, which was most recently launched in France,
extending Sandoz’s presence in biosimilars; Omnitrope, a treatment for children and
adults with growth hormone deficiency, and Binocrit, a life-saving anemia medicine for
patients suffering from kidney failure or undergoing chemotherapy. Sales of biosimilars
grew by 66% in the second quarter.

In Vaccines and Diagnostics, we held positive discussions with the EMA regarding our
multi-component meningococcal B vaccine (MenB) submission and are on track for filing,
while in the US discussions with the FDA regarding the Phase III trial continue. MenB is
important for Novartis, as the global meningitis market is large (USD 1.1 billion) and
growing (expected to reach USD 2.7 billion by 2016). More importantly, the vaccine,
developed via Novartis’ pioneering “reverse vaccinology,” has the potential, when
approved, to fill a major unmet need for a broadly protective vaccine for children and
infants two months and older.

Accelerating growth

Our momentum in innovation will sustain growth, with 21% of Group sales coming from
recently launched products, already exceeding the anticipated loss of sales from
products whose patents will be expiring over the next few years. As these products and
the pipeline develop, the Novartis portfolio will increasingly become comprised of
specialty care medicines.

To continue to win in a challenging environment with new pricing pressures, we are
tailoring our commercial model and leveraging our broad portfolio to address the needs
of and provide value to customers and patients in each market. We are also developing
new ways of partnering with governments and large payors to realize shared objectives
and improved patient outcomes.
Pharmaceuticals grew 8% (+8% cc) in the second quarter – growth in volume was 9% with an
overall price effect of negative 1 percentage point. The rejuvenation of the product
portfolio continues strongly, with growth of recently launched products reaching USD 1.6
billion, representing 43% growth over the second quarter of 2009. In Europe, where
pricing pressures have been most intense, overall growth was 8 %, with volume gains of
12 percentage points demonstrating the quality of the new product portfolio.

Sandoz continued to build momentum in the second quarter, achieving robust double-digit
growth in constant currencies. Much of the global growth was due to strong performance
by the recent launches of losartanand metaxalone and the continued performance from
tacrolimus. We also had particularly notable success in the US this quarter, where
growth was up 37%, representing a significant turnaround from negative growth numbers in
2008. A key driver of growth for Sandoz was our ongoing global strength in biosimilars;
sales in the second quarter were up 66% over the previous year.
While global sales of (A)H1N1 vaccines are now largely complete, our vaccines business
is maintaining momentum with the launch of Menveo, a vaccine for meningococcal disease.
In the second quarter, Menveo gained access to a majority of public accounts in the US,
resulting in promising early uptake. In Europe, where Menveo is predominantly a travel
vaccine, the first positive policy recommendations were received within a few months of
approval. Additional approvals were achieved in Latin America and the first Asian
markets. Indication expansions are on track to further strengthen the brand in 2011.

The Novartis Consumer Health businesses continue to be driven by strong growth of key
brands. The Novartis Over-the-Counter (OTC) business unit generated positive growth with
pain medications including Voltaren, a treatment for joint and muscle pain, which in the
second quarter reached record market share as the second largest in the German OTC
market. The second quarter launch of Pantoloc Control in 11 European countries combined
with the Prevacid24HR achievement of a 25% share of the fast-growing proton pump
inhibitors (PPI) market segment with sales now annualizing in excess of USD 200 million,
will help further establish our gastrointestinal franchise. CIBA Vision, the
fastest-growing lens care business, continues its strong performance with AirOptix and
its expansion in all regions.

At the same time, all divisions are seeking to expand in emerging markets where growth
in the second quarter was 16%, with particularly strong performances in South Korea
(23%) and Russia (41%). In Russia, our Pharmaceuticals business experienced dynamic
performance (42%) in specialty areas and new launches. Sandoz in Russia has been a key
driver of generics growth in the second quarter (40%).

Driving productivity

In order to free up resources to improve margins and assure continued investment in
innovation and growth, we are focused on improving efficiency and reducing costs across
the whole business. Second quarter productivity initiatives added around 2 percentage
points of margin improvement, of which approximately half was reinvested. In Cost of
Goods Sold solid productivity improvements were made particularly in Sandoz and Consumer
Health, but were insufficient overall to offset the impact of price decreases and
inventory reductions. Good progress continues to be made with Sales & Marketing
productivity initiatives, especially in Pharmaceuticals, where productivity gains exceed
reinvestment.

Cash flow

The sustainability of our strategy lies with the generation of cash flow which provides
the resources for reinvestment and creates shareholder return. Free cash flow before
dividends generated in the quarter totaled USD 2.4 billion, an increase of 24% over the
previous year, and for the six months amounted to USD 5.3 billion, rising 54% over the
previous year.

Cash flow continues to be driven by increasing focus on the cash conversion cycle and
operational cash flow improvements. Cash flow from operating activities increased to USD
3.0 billion in the second quarter (25.2% of net sales and an increase of 13% over 2009)
and in the first half increased to USD 6.3 billion (26.3% of net sales and an increase
of 37% over 2009).

Alcon

We continue to make progress with the required regulatory approvals around the world. As
a result, closing of the acquisition of 77% majority ownership of Alcon could be
completed late in the third quarter or the fourth quarter of 2010. During the second
quarter, an expanded commercial paper program was put in place to complete the
preparatory steps for financing the acquisition.

2010 outlook

(Barring unforeseen events)

Based on the strong first half, we are raising our sales guidance for the full year.
Novartis expects to deliver constant currency Group sales growth at mid- to
high-single-digits (excluding Alcon). This expectation includes sales of A(H1N1)
pandemic flu vaccines, which, year over year, is broadly neutral to overall sales
growth.

Group operating margin and core operating margin are expected to increase in 2010
following continued business expansion and sustained productivity improvement. Sales of
(A)H1N1 vaccines added around 1.5 margin points in both 2009 and 2010.

Reported sales and operating profit are affected by the current volatility in exchange
rates. The impact of 2010 rates on sales in the first quarter was positive (+7%), the
second quarter impact was slightly negative (-1%) and if exchange rates remain where
they are for the remainder of the year the impact on the second half is expected to be
negative. Overall for the year a small negative impact is expected. As a result of the
natural hedging effect that partially exists between revenues and costs, the impact on
operating income of current rates, if they prevail for the remainder of the year, is
expected to be broadly neutral.

No account has been taken in these expectations for the acquisition of Alcon. Modeling
assumptions for the inclusion of Alcon will be clarified at the point of completion.

HEALTHCARE BUSINESS REVIEW

Pharmaceuticals

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Net sales 7 670 7 115 8 8 14 961 13 548 10 8
Operating income 2 337 2 213 6 5 4 664 4 275 9 6
As % of net sales 30.5 31.1 31.2 31.6
Core operating income 2 636 2 318 14 14 5 067 4 489 13 10
As % of net sales 34.4 32.6 33.9 33.1

Second quarter

Net sales

Net sales expanded 8% to USD 7.7 billion (+8% cc) driven by 9 percentage points volume
expansion, partly offset by government cost-containment measures in Europe and the
biannual price cut in Japan. Recently launched products provided USD 1.6 billion of net
sales in the 2010 period, representing 21% of net sales compared to 16% in the 2009
quarter. Products launched since 2007 – which include Lucentis, Exforge, Exelon Patch,
Exjade, Reclast/Aclasta, Tekturna/Rasilez, Tasigna, Afinitor, Onbrez Breezhaler, Ilaris
and Fanapt – grew by 43% compared to the same period last year.

All regions continued to benefit from the product portfolio rejuvenation, particularly
Europe (USD 2.7 billion, +8% cc), generating 27% of its net sales from recently launched
products. Volume growth in Europe was 12 percentage points with a negative price effect
of 4 percentage points due to recent government cost-containment measures. The US (USD
2.6 billion, +7% cc), as well as Latin America and Canada (USD 0.7 billion, +15% cc),
maintained solid growth rates. Japan performance (USD 0.9 billion, +8% cc) was driven by
strong momentum from the regulatory approvals of the 9 new medicines launched since
2009. The six top emerging markets (USD 775 million, +11% cc) were led by double-digit
gains in Russia, India and South Korea, more than offsetting the impact of recent
cost-containment measures in Turkey, as well as slower growth in China due to
stock-in-trade adjustments and the implementation of the new regional structure.

All therapeutic areas contributed to the business expansion. Oncology (USD 2.5 billion,
+11% cc), the largest franchise, was led by sustained growth of Gleevec/Glivec (USD 1.1
billion, +8% cc), Femara (USD 338 million, +10% cc), and Sandostatin (USD 312 million,
+11% cc), and important contributions from the recently launched products Exjade (USD
192 million, +11% cc), Tasigna (USD 89 million, +73% cc) and Afinitor (USD 55 million).
Cardiovascular and Metabolism (USD 2.0 billion, +8% cc) maintained strong momentum
supported by Exforge (USD 227 million, +37% cc), Tekturna (USD 103 million, +56% cc) and
Galvus (USD 90 million, +136% cc). Diovan sales (USD 1.6 billion, +1% cc) also held up
well, despite CozaarÒ generic entry in the US and the angiotensin II receptor blocker
(ARB) market slowdown in Japan. Neuroscience and Ophthalmics (USD 924 million, +17% cc)
saw rapid growth from Lucentis (USD 377 million, +29% cc) and Exelon Patch (USD 168
million, +41% cc).

Operating income

Operating income rose 6% (+5% cc) to USD 2.3 billion. The operating income margin of
30.5% of net sales declined by 0.6 percentage points, primarily impacted by litigation
charges of USD 178 million.

Core operating income grew 14% (+14% cc) to USD 2.6 billion. The core operating income
margin of 34.4% of net sales improved 1.8 percentage points compared to the same period
in 2009. Cost of Goods Sold (-0.7 percentage points) was impacted by lower fixed
overhead absorption, in addition to higher Lucentis royalties. R&D improved 0.7
percentage points, mainly driven by phasing of clinical trial activities. Marketing &
Sales expenses fell 1.1 percentage points to 28.5% of net sales and General &
Administration expenses improved by 0.2 percentage points, both benefiting from
continuing productivity efforts. Other Income & Expense improved by 0.5 percentage
points.

First half

Net sales

Net sales expanded 10% to USD 15.0 billion (+8% cc, driven by 9 percentage points volume
expansion). Recently launched products provided USD 3.1 billion of net sales in the 2010
period, representing 20% of net sales compared to 15% in the 2009 period.

Operating income

Operating income rose 9% (+6% cc) to USD 4.7 billion. The operating income margin of
31.2% of net sales was impacted by litigation charges of USD 178 million in the second
quarter, and in the first quarter by a PTZ601 impairment charge of USD 152 million, in
addition to the Famvir settlement with Teva which included an asset write-up of USD 100
million and an exceptional settlement gain of USD 42 million.

Core operating income grew 13% (+10% cc) to USD 5.1 billion. The core operating income
margin of 33.9% of net sales improved by 0.8 percentage points, including lower sales to
other divisions (-0.2 percentage points) as well as higher Cost of Goods Sold (-0.9
percentage points). R&D improved 0.7 percentage points, mainly driven by phasing of
clinical trial activities. Marketing & Sales expenses (+1.4 percentage points) and
General & Administration costs (+0.1 percentage points) were driven by continuing
productivity improvements. Higher net costs from Other Income & Expense (-0.3 percentage
points) were mainly due to the first quarter in the 2009 period benefiting from
provision reversals related to launch product inventories.

Pharmaceuticals product review

Cardiovascular and Metabolism

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Hypertension medicines
Diovan 1 552 1 533 1 1 2 994 2 935 2 0
Exforge 227 168 35 37 431 304 42 39
Tekturna/Rasilez 103 67 54 56 192 119 61 60
Subtotal 1 882 1 768 6 6 3 617 3 358 8 6
Galvus 90 39 131 136 166 65 155 152
Lotrel 71 86 -17 -17 144 169 -15 -15
Total strategic products 2 043 1 893 8 8 3 927 3 592 9 7
Mature products 277 346 -20 -20 572 677 -16 -18
Total 2 320 2 239 4 4 4 499 4 269 5 3

An expanding portfolio of high blood pressure medicines (USD 1.9 billion, +6% cc) has
enabled Novartis to continue to drive sales while increasing its leadership of the
global branded hypertension market segment, achieving a 15.9% share by April 2010
compared to 14.4% during the same period last year (Source: IMS Health). Single-pill
combinations based on valsartan (Diovan)and aliskiren (Tekturna/Rasilez)now provide over
half of these sales, reflecting the continuing shift toward use of combination
therapies.

Diovan(USD 1.6 billion, +1% cc) sales increased in the second quarter 2010 versus last
year. In the US, Diovan reached sales of USD 657 million (+0% cc), maintaining its
leadership of the ARB segment with a 40.03% share by April 2010 (+0.06 percentage points
compared to April year-to-date 2009; source: IMS Health). Diovan is the only medicine in
the ARB class approved to treat the three major cardiovascular indications: high blood
pressure, high-risk heart attack and heart failure. In April, Diovan gained approval of
a new indication from the European Commission for the treatment of children and
adolescents (ages 6 to 18) with high blood pressure.

Exforge (USD 227 million, +37% cc) maintained solid growth in the second quarter fueled
by continued geographic expansion and the launch of Exforge HCT, which adds a diuretic
in a single pill, in the US and Europe. Exforge, a single-pill combination of Diovan
(valsartan)and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine, has delivered consistent and
sustained growth since its launch in 2007.

Tekturna/Rasilez (USD 103 million, +56% cc) maintained a solid growth rate driven by
single-pill combinations Tekturna/Rasilez HCT and Valturna in the US. Tekturna/Rasilez,
the only approved high blood pressure therapy known as a direct renin inhibitor, was
also approved in China in April for use alone or in combination with other blood
pressure medications. Other single-pill combinations in development are a combination of
aliskirenand amlodipine, currently under regulatory review in the US and Europe,and a
triple-combination therapy with aliskiren, amlodipine and a diuretic, expected to be
submitted for US regulatory approval this year.

Galvus/Eucreas (USD 90 million, +136% cc),oral treatments for type 2 diabetes, delivered
very strong growth in many markets, particularly Spain, Greece, Germany, Portugal,
France, South Korea and India. Galvus was launched in Japan in April under the brand
name Equa.

Oncology

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Gleevec/Glivec 1 075 990 9 8 2 107 1 884 12 8
Zometa 378 359 5 6 753 701 7 5
Femara 338 310 9 10 682 596 14 13
Sandostatin 312 281 11 11 622 539 15 12
Exjade 192 173 11 11 371 295 26 23
Tasigna 89 53 68 73 164 88 86 84
Afinitor 55 11 nm nm 96 12 nm nm
Other 41 60 -32 -31 90 119 -24 -27
Total 2 480 2 237 11 11 4 885 4 234 15 13

nm – Not meaningful

Gleevec/Glivec(USD 1.1 billion, +8% cc) has sustained growth through continued expansion
in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) as well as adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment of
gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Gleevec/Glivec, a targeted therapy for certain
forms of CML and GIST, was approved in 2009 for use in adjuvant GIST and has since
received approvals for this indication in more than 55 countries.

Tasigna (USD 89 million, +73% cc) has been growing rapidly through geographic and market
expansion with approvals in more than 80 countries as a second-line therapy for patients
with certain forms of CML resistant or intolerant to prior therapy including
Gleevec/Glivec. In June, following priority review, the US FDA approved Tasigna for the
treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed CML in the chronic phase. Regulatory
submissions for Tasigna in first-line indication are underway worldwide, with
applications currently filed in the EU, Switzerland and Japan. Trials are also underway
examining the use of Tasigna in CML patients with suboptimal response to Glivec and in
patients with metastatic GIST.

Zometa(USD 378 million, +6% cc) expansion has come from improved compliance and
increased use of this intravenous bisphosphonate therapy in patients with certain types
of cancer which have spread to the bone. New data presented at ASCO showed that the
addition of Zometa to chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival by 16% (p =
0.0118) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. This survival advantage was also
observed in addition to, and independent of, the drug’s effects on skeletal related
events (SREs). The potential use of Zometa for adjuvant breast cancer in premenopausal
women is being reviewed by US and European regulatory authorities with feedback
anticipated by year end. Zoledronic acid, the active ingredient in Zometa, is also
available under the trade names Reclast/Aclasta for use in non-oncology indications.

Femara (USD 338 million, +10% cc) achieved ongoing double-digit growth on market share
gains in the US and other key markets, including Germany, France, Japan, the UK and the
Nordic countries. The US prescribing information for Femara was updated to include
long-term (73-month) follow-up data from the BIG 1-98 study comparing Femara with
tamoxifen in the initial adjuvant setting. The study confirmed a significant benefit for
Femara versus tamoxifen in reducing the risk of distant metastases and the overall risk
of breast cancer recurrence.

Sandostatin(USD 312 million, +11% cc) benefited from increasing use of Sandostatin LAR
in treating the symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors (NET).

Exjade(USD 192 million, +11% cc) has continued to expand with strong double-digit growth
on increased average dosing and improved adherence to therapy in the US and key markets
around the world. Exjade, currently approved in more than 100 countries as the only
once-daily oral therapy for transfusional iron overload, received regulatory approvals
in 2009 in the US, Europe, Switzerland and other countries, extending the dose range to
40 mg/kg.In June 2010, Exjade received regulatory approval in China.

Afinitor (USD 55 million) received priority review status by the US FDA for the
treatment of patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) associated with
tuberous sclerosis (TS). An FDA decision is expected by the end of the year with
regulatory submissions underway in TS in the EU. Regulatory filings are expected this
year in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) following data showing Afinitor met the
primary endpoint of progression-free survival in a Phase III study of pNET. RADIANT 2, a
placebo-controlled Phase III study of Afinitor in combination with Sandostatin LAR
versus Sandostatin LAR alone in patients with advanced carcinoid tumors missed the
primary endpoint by a very small statistical margin (progression-free survival Hazard
Ratio = 0.77 in favor of Afinitor, p = 0.026 vs p=0.024 predefined). An imbalance in
baseline between the two treatment arms was observed and will be further investigated.
Full data will be discussed with the Health Authorities in the context of the upcoming
submission. Afinitor, an oral inhibitor of the mTOR pathway, is an approved treatment
for advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) following VEGF-targeted therapy.
Afinitor is also being studied in other tumor types with Phase III trials underway in
tuberous sclerosis, breast cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and
lymphoma. Everolimus, the active ingredient in Afinitor, is also available under the
trade names Certican/Zortress for use in non-oncology indications.

Neuroscience and Ophthalmics

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Lucentis 377 294 28 29 741 523 42 35
Exelon/Exelon Patch 252 233 8 9 503 436 15 13
Comtan/Stalevo 150 138 9 9 291 261 11 9
Extavia 38 9 nm nm 58 12 nm nm
Other 107 118 -9 -10 232 235 -1 -5
Total strategic products 924 792 17 17 1 825 1 467 24 20
Mature products 149 150 -1 -3 282 281 0 -5
Total 1 073 942 14 14 2 107 1 748 21 16

Lucentis (USD 377 million, +29% cc) has maintained strong growth reflecting its position
as the only approved medicine to significantly improve vision in patients with wet
age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Two clinical studies recently confirmed rapid
and sustained improvement in vision with Lucentis in another debilitating eye condition,
visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema (DME), currently under regulatory review
in the EU. In the US, where Genentech holds the rights to Lucentis, the treatment of
macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) was approved in June. Novartis
plans to file for approval in this indication in the EU and other markets by the end of
2010.

Exelon/Exelon Patch (USD 252 million, +9% cc) has continued to grow based on increasing
demand for Exelon Patch, with the transdermal form of the medicine generating more than
67% of total Exelon sales in the second quarter compared to 52% in the same period in
2009. Exelon Patch is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease
dementia in more than 75 countries, including more than 20 countries where it is also
approved for dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Extavia (USD 38 million) continued to grow from geographic expansion in key markets,
notably Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain and the US. Extavia, the Novartis-branded version
of Betaferon®/Betaseron® for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, was launched in the
US in 2009, and since then has been approved in over 20 other countries.

Respiratory

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Xolair 90 79 14 18 170 140 21 20
TOBI 72 69 4 4 137 143 -4 -5
Onbrez 5 0 nm nm 8 0 nm nm
Other 1 2 nm nm 0 1 nm nm
Total strategic products 168 150 12 15 315 284 11 10
Mature products 40 43 -7 -5 89 96 -7 -11
Total 208 193 8 11 404 380 6 5

Xolair(USD 90 million, +18% cc) has continued to grow strongly in major European
countries and Latin America. In the US, Novartis co-promotes Xolair with Genentech and
shares a portion of the US operating income. In the first half of 2010, US sales to
Genentech were lower than in the same period of 2009 due to a change in ordering
processes. Xolair, a biotechnology drug for moderate to severe persistent allergic
asthma in the US and severe persistent allergic asthma in Europe, has approvals in more
than 80 countries. Plans to commence Phase III trials in China to support regulatory
submissions there remain on track for this year.

Onbrez Breezhaler (USD 5 million) has demonstrated strong performance following EU
approval and since first launching in late 2009 in Germany for adult patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Onbrez Breezhaler has since been launched
in Ireland and Denmark in March 2010 with additional launches expected this year in 20
markets, including the UK, Spain, Brazil and Mexico. Regulatory submissions also are
planned this year in Japan and China. In the US, all clinical studies to support
resubmission continue on track with re-filing expected by year end.

Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Neoral/Sandimmun 217 227 -4 -5 429 448 -4 -7
Reclast/Aclasta 142 115 23 23 265 200 33 31
Myfortic 108 90 20 18 208 163 28 22
Certican 36 27 33 33 70 50 40 35
Ilaris 6 0 nm nm 10 0 nm nm
Other 73 57 28 30 140 103 36 32
Total strategic products 582 516 13 12 1 122 964 16 13
Mature products 217 237 -8 -10 424 457 -7 -11
Total 799 753 6 5 1 546 1 421 9 5

Reclast/Aclasta (USD 142 million, +23% cc), the only once-yearly osteoporosis treatment
available in over 90 countries, maintained a steady pace of growth. Approved in up to
six indications worldwide, Reclast/Aclasta provides fracture protection to a broad
spectrum of patients ranging from those diagnosed with early bone loss to patients with
more severe forms of the disease and has been used in more than one million infusions.
It is also the only bisphosphonate proven to reduce fracture risk and mortality after a
low-trauma hip fracture. Zoledronic acid, the active ingredient in Reclast/Aclasta, is
also available under the trade name Zometa for use in oncology indications.

Certican/Zortress (USD 36 million, +33% cc) is now available in more than 80 countries
to prevent organ rejection in adult kidney transplantation, heart transplantation, or
both. In April, it was approved in the US under the brand name Zortress (everolimus) for
adult kidney transplantation. Everolimus is currently in two Phase III studies: heart
transplantation in the US, and a worldwide study for liver transplantation. Everolimus,
the active ingredient in Certican/Zortress, is also available under the trade name
Afinitor for use in an oncology indication.

Ilaris (ACZ885) (USD 6 million), is the first medicine to treat adults and children aged
four years and older suffering cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), a group of
rare auto-inflammatory disorders that affect one in one million people. Ilaris
selectively blocks the inflammatory protein interleukin-1 beta. Following US and
European regulatory approvals in 2009, it is now approved in 40 countries to treat CAPS.
Two Phase III trials are underway studying ACZ885 in the treatment of acute flares
associated with gouty arthritis. Trials are also ongoing in other diseases in which IL-1
beta may play an important role, including type 2 diabetes and systemic juvenile
idiopathic arthritis (SJIA).

Vaccines and Diagnostics

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Net sales 564 247 128 135 1 925 494 290 287
Operating income -42 -167 75 72 797 -234 nm nm
As % of net sales -7.4 -67.6 41.4 -47.4
Core operating income 138 -45 nm nm 1 061 -36 nm nm
As % of net sales 24.5 -18.2 55.1 -7.3

nm – Not meaningful

Second quarter

Net sales

Net sales were USD 564 million for the second quarter (+135% cc) compared with USD 247
million in the prior period. Revenue of approximately USD 200 million was recognized in
the period relating to A(H1N1) pandemic flu contracts (mainly Japan and US Health and
Human Services), largely completing the campaign. Excluding the impact of A(H1N1)
pandemic, the business experienced strong growth (+46% cc) driven by the expansion of
the vaccines business in emerging markets and the first sales of Menveo in the US.

The launch of Menveo represents an important step in building a meningitis franchise.
MenB vaccine is on track to be filed in Europe by the end of 2010 and discussions
regarding the phase III trial continue with the FDA. Based on the unique reverse
vaccinology technology, MenB has the potential to address a major unmet need for a
protective vaccine especially in Europe, Australia, South America and Canada.

In April, Novartis signed a contract in Brazil forming a strategic partnership with
FUNED (Fundação Ezequiel Dias) to deliver MenC vaccines to children under the age of
two. In 2009 Novartis announced an agreement to acquire an 85% stake in the Chinese
vaccines company Zhejiang Tianyuan Bio-Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. The transaction is on
track for completion later in 2010.

Operating income

Operating loss was USD 42 million for the second quarter of 2010 (+72% cc) compared to a
USD 167 million loss for the second quarter of 2009, improved by the strong sales
performance. The quarter included an impairment charge of USD 71 million related to a
financial asset as well as a legal settlement which resulted in a final additional
charge of USD 45 million.

Core operating income for the period was USD 138 million compared to a core operating
loss of USD 45 million in the prior year.

First half

Net sales

Net sales were USD 1.9 billion for the first half of the year (+287% cc) compared to USD
494 million for the year-ago period. Deliveries for supply contracts with governments
around the world for A(H1N1) pandemic flu vaccines and adjuvants generated net sales of
USD 1.3 billion, significantly driving the increase over the year-ago period. Excluding
the impact of A(H1N1) pandemic, the business showed strong growth (+22% cc).

Operating income

Operating income in the period was USD 797 million compared to an operating loss of USD
234 million in the year-ago period, driven substantially by contributions of A(H1N1)
pandemic vaccines.

Core operating income was USD 1.1 billion, driven by a strong sales performance, up from
a core operating loss of USD 36 million for the same period in 2009.

Sandoz

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Net sales 1 973 1 774 11 13 3 974 3 500 14 11
Operating income 289 247 17 16 599 538 11 7
As % of net sales 14.6 13.9 15.1 15.4
Core operating income 364 307 19 20 814 654 24 21
As % of net sales 18.4 17.3 20.5 18.7

Second quarter

Net sales

Sandoz accelerated its growth (USD 2.0 billion, +11%, +13% cc) versus prior year as 20
percentage points of volume expansion from new product launches, the inclusion of EBEWE
Pharma’s specialty generics business (contributing 5 percentage points in the quarter)
and continued strong results from the US, Canada, Russia, Italy, Japan and biosimilars
more than offset price erosion of 7 percentage points.

US retail generics and biosimilars (+43% cc) continued to deliver strong growth due to
successful recent first-to-market launches including tacrolimus, lansoprazole, losartan
and metaxalone. German retail generics and biosimilars (-5% cc) declined compared to the
prior year as a result of negative market growth driven by the impact of statutory
health insurance tenders, but Sandoz expanded its leadership position in the German
generics market. Emerging markets growth accelerated, particularly in Asia-Pacific (+25%
cc) and Central and Eastern Europe (+17% cc). Biosimilars (+66% cc) continued to
achieve strong momentum, with key launches in the oncology indications of Binocrit
(epoetin alfa) and Zarzio (filgrastim) as well as continued growth in Omnitrope (human
growth hormone).

Operating income

Operating income grew 17% to USD 289 million, as the operating income margin improved
0.7 percentage points to 14.6% of net sales. The lower improvement of the operating
margin as compared to the core operating margin increase of 1.1 percentage points
reflected one-time charges related to the termination of a co-development agreement and
purchase price accounting for EBEWE Pharma.

Core operating income rose 19% to USD 364 million, resulting in the core operating
margin increase of 1.1 percentage points to 18.4% of net sales including lower sales to
other divisions

(-0.9 percentage points), other revenues (+0.1 percentage points) and Cost of Goods Sold
increased 0.4 percentage points as price erosion, inventory write-offs and the impact of
increased sales of lower margin products more than offset continued Cost of Goods Sold
productivity improvements. Marketing & Sales costs (17.5% of net sales, +0.8 percentage
points) rose slower than sales due to productivity improvements, while fully funding
investments behind growing businesses. R&D costs (7.5% of net sales) decreased slightly
(+0.4 percentage points) as a percentage of sales as productivity savings funded the
continued investments in the development of differentiated generics, such as biosimilar,
oncological injectable and respiratory products. General & Administration costs (4.3% of
net sales, +0.8 percentage points) decreased due to ongoing cost-containment measures.
Other Income & Expense improved (2.1%, +0.3 percentage points) due to lower legal fees.

On June 1, Sandoz completed the acquisition of Oriel Therapeutics, a privately held US
pharmaceuticals company. The closure gives Sandoz rights to several promising
development projects, as well as to the novel FreePath(TM) drug delivery system and
Solis(TM) multi-dose dry powder inhaler. Regulatory approvals, if achieved, would
broaden access to affordable, high-quality respiratory medicines and further reinforce
Sandoz’s position as a leader in differentiated generics.

First half

Net sales

Sandoz achieved double-digit sales growth in the first six months (USD 4.0 billion,
+14%, +11% cc) versus prior year supported by strong growth in US retail generics and
biosimilars (+31% cc) and in emerging markets such as Central and Eastern Europe (+11%
cc), Asia-Pacific (+21% cc) and Middle East, Turkey and Africa (+10% cc). Sales volumes
expanded 18 percentage points due to new product launches, the inclusion of EBEWE
Pharma’s specialty generics business (contributing 5 percentage points in the half year)
and continued strong results from biosimilars more than compensating price erosion of 7
percentage points.

Operating income

Operating income in the first half grew 11% versus prior year to USD 599 million. The
operating margin declined by -0.3 points to 15.1% of net sales. The reduction of the
operating margin in the period as compared to the growth in core operating margin
reflected the acquisition-related charges for the EBEWE Pharma integration, one-time
charges for the termination of a co-development agreement and provisions for legal
settlements.

Core operating income rose 24% to USD 814 million, as the core operating margin improved
by 1.8 percentage points to 20.5% of net sales, including lower sales to other divisions
(-0.4 percentage points), other revenues (0.1 percentage points), and higher Cost of
Goods Sold (-0.2 percentage points). R&D costs decreased 0.7 percentage points as
productivity savings funded continued investment in the development of differentiated
generics. General & Administration costs decreased (0.8 percentage points) due to
ongoing cost reduction measures. Other Income & Expense were positive at 0.8 percentage
points.

Consumer Health

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Net sales 1 509 1 410 7 7 2 987 2 713 10 7
Operating income 294 271 8 10 558 506 10 7
As % of net sales 19.5 19.2 18.7 18.7
Core operating income 318 293 9 10 606 547 11 8
As % of net sales 21.1 20.8 20.3 20.2

Second quarter

Net sales

All three Consumer Health businesses – OTC, Animal Health and CIBA Vision – contributed
to higher net sales in the second quarter of 2010 versus prior year (USD 1.5 billion,
+7%, +7% cc), as the three businesses continued growing ahead of their respective
markets.

Pain medicines were key growth contributors in OTC. In the US, Excedrin and Triaminic
gained share as a result of successful advertising and promotional campaigns. In Europe,
Voltaren was the key growth driver. In Germany, Voltaren achieved a record 44% share in
the topical analgesic category and currently ranks as the second-largest brand in the
German OTC market.

Novartis OTC is strengthening its portfolio by building a gastrointestinal franchise in
the fast-growing PPI category. Prevacid24HR achieved a 25% year-to-date share of the US
PPI category, which has grown 39% this year. Pantoloc Control, a PPI to which Novartis
acquired European marketing rights in late 2009, was launched in 11 European markets in
the PPI category during the second quarter.

CIBA Vision continued its growth momentum, expanding in all regions, underpinned by new
product launches. In the US, AirOptix achieved a record 26% share of its category.

Novartis Animal Health is one of the fastest-growing companies in the market, mainly led
by strong performance in the US business. Interceptor and Sentinel gained market share
and strengthened their positions within the heartworm and flea categories. In Europe the
new Milbemax chewable formulation is leading growth.

In the US, the Consumer Health Division delivered strong performance (USD 0.5 billion,
+12%) and gained share, while in Europe (USD 0.6 billion, +5% cc) solid growth was
achieved, most notably in France, the UK and Germany. All top six emerging markets grew
and together achieved 26% (+19% cc) net sales growth.

Operating income

Operating income rose 8% (+10% cc) to USD 294 million with operating income margin
improving by 0.3 percentage points in the second quarter of 2010 to 19.5% of net sales
from the 2009 period.

Core operating income grew 9% (+10% cc) to USD 318 million, increasing the operating
income margin 0.3 percentage points in the second quarter of 2010 to 21.1% of net sales.
The core gross margin (68.0% of net sales, +1.0 percentage points) improved as a result
of productivity gains and product pricing. Marketing & Sales expenses (35.0% of net
sales, -0.4 percentage points), were higher than the prior year primarily driven by
promotional support for new product launches as well as sales force expansion across all
of the businesses. R&D (5.6% of net sales, +0.5 percentage points) remained largely
unchanged in US dollars to support product development across all Consumer Health
businesses. General & Administration costs (6.2% of net sales, +0.1 percentage points)
were largely unchanged versus prior year and Other Income & Expense (-0.1% of net sales,
-0.9 percentage points) rose as a result of a one-off provision reversal in 2009.

First half

Net sales

Sales grew 10% (+7% cc) to USD 3.0 billion and all Consumer Health businesses delivered
good growth, outperforming their respective markets.

OTC grew on the back of Prevacid24HR and Excedrin in the US and Voltaren in Europe.
Animal Health growth was mainly led by the strong performance of Interceptor and
Sentinel in the US and Milbemax in Europe. CIBA Vision grew in all regions led by new
product launches.

Operating income

Operating income rose 10% (+7% cc) to USD 558 million, with the operating margin stable
at 18.7% of net sales versus the same period in 2009.

Core operating income grew 11% (+8% cc) to USD 606 million, representing a faster pace
of growth than net sales. The operating income margin rose 0.1 percentage points to
20.3% of net sales versus the same period in 2009. Gross margin improvements from
productivity gains have been mostly reinvested to support the Prevacid24HR launch in the
US and sales force expansion across all businesses.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Second quarter and first half

Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % change H1 2010 H1 2009 % change
USD m USD m USD cc USD m USD m USD cc
Net sales 11 716 10 546 11 12 23 847 20 255 18 15
Divisional operating income 2 878 2 564 12 12 6 618 5 085 30 26
Corporate income & expense, net 83 -200 nm nm -146 -374 nm nm
Group operating income 2 961 2 364 25 24 6 472 4 711 37 33
as % of net sales 25.3 22.4 27.1 23.3
Income from associated companies 158 124 27 27 261 207 26 23
Financial income 14 91 -85 nm 63 43 47 nm
Interest expense -175 -136 29 29 -308 -222 39 39
Taxes -521 -399 31 30 -1 103 -720 53 50
Net income 2 437 2 044 19 18 5 385 4 019 34 29
EPS (USD) 1.06 0.90 18 17 2.34 1.76 33 28
Core operating income 3 276 2 663 23 23 7 141 5 274 35 32
as % of net sales 28.0 25.3 29.9 26.0
Core net income 2 771 2 394 16 15 6 080 4 696 29 25
Core EPS (USD) 1.20 1.05 14 14 2.65 2.06 29 24

nm – Not meaningful

Second quarter

Net sales

Net sales rose 11% (+12% cc) to USD 11.7 billion with currency movements depressing the
result by 1 percentage point. Rejuvenation of the portfolio continued with recently
launched products generating sales of USD 2.4 billion – 21% of total sales including
A(H1N1) pandemic vaccines. For the Group, volume grew by 12 percentage points, price was
a negative 1 percentage point and acquisitions contributed 1 percentage point.
Pharmaceuticals (USD 7.7 billion, +8% cc) advanced in all regions and maintained solid
volume growth. Vaccines and Diagnostics (USD 0.6 billion, +135% cc) achieved
considerable gains, including USD 0.2 billion from recognition of A(H1N1) pandemic
vaccine sales. Sandoz (USD 2.0 billion, +13% cc) grew on successful new product launches
and the contribution of EBEWE Pharma. All Consumer Health businesses (USD 1.5 billion,
+7% cc) had strong performances.

Corporate income & expense, net

Corporate income & expense, which includes the costs of the Group headquarters and costs
for corporate research, was impacted in the second quarter by a pension curtailment gain
of USD 265 million. Excluding this, expenses were 9% below the previous year.

Group operating income

Operating income rose 25% (+24% cc) to USD 3.0 billion including 1 percentage point from
favorable currency movements. Operating income includes a pension gain of USD 265
million, offset by provisions for litigation and legal settlements of USD 231 million
and impairments of assets of USD 82 million. The operating income margin improved 2.9
percentage points to 25.3% of net sales from 22.4% in the 2009 period. Core operating
income, which excludes exceptional items and amortization of intangible assets in both
periods, rose 23% (+23% cc) to USD 3.3 billion, and the core operating income margin
rose 2.7 percentage points to 28.0% of net sales.

Income from associated companies

The increase in income from associated companies of 27% to USD 158 million in the second
quarter of 2010 was primarily driven by higher net income contribution from the Alcon
investment. Contributions from Alcon for the 2010 quarter amounted to USD 35 million
compared with USD 5 million for the previous-year period, whereas the result from the
Roche investment was USD 117 million compared with USD 112 million in the prior year
quarter. Core results, which exclude exceptional items and the amortization of
intangible assets in both periods, increased from USD 264 million to USD 299 million or
13% during the second quarter of 2010.

Financial income and interest expense

Financial income amounted to USD 14 million in the second quarter down from USD 91
million mainly attributable to lower returns on financial investments and currency
gains. Interest expenses increased from USD 136 million to USD 175 million due to the
most recent US dollar bond issue in March 2010.

Taxes

The tax rate (taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income) rose to 17.6% in the second
quarter from 16.3% in the 2009 period, principally due to a shift in the mix of profits
through the first half.

Net income

Net income rose 19% (+18% cc) to USD 2.4 billion. This was lower than the operating
income growth of 25% due to higher interest expense, lower financial income and higher
tax expense, partly offset by higher contributions from associated companies. Core net
income rose 16% (+15% cc) to USD 2.8 billion.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share (EPS) rose largely in line with net income to USD 1.06 in the second
quarter from USD 0.90 in the 2009 period, while core EPS grew 14% (+14% cc) to USD 1.20
from USD 1.05. The average number of shares outstanding rose 1% to 2,287.7 million from
2,263.3 million in the year-ago period, while a total of 2,287.5 million shares were
oustanding at June 30, 2010.

First half

Net sales

In the first half of the year, Novartis Group net sales rose by 18% (+15% cc) to USD
23.8 billion. Sales benefitted from 3 percentage points in currency movements. Recently
launched products generated sales of USD 5.5 billion, 23% of net sales. Volume grew by
16 percentage points, price was negative 2 percentage points and acquisitions
contributed 1 percentage point. All regions of our Pharmaceuticals organization advanced
(USD 15 billion, +8% cc) and maintained solid volume growth. Recognition of A(H1N1)
pandemic vaccine sales provided USD 1.3 billion for Vaccines and Diagnostics, which
achieved significant growth overall (USD 1.9 billion, +287% cc). Sandoz had a strong
first half and grew (USD 4.0 billion, +11% cc) due to the successful launch of new
products and the acquisition of EBEWE Pharma. All Consumer Health businesses (USD 3.0
billion, +7% cc) outperformed their markets.

Operating income

Operating income rose 37% (+33% cc) to USD 6.5 billion including 4 percentage points of
favorable currency movements. Included in operating income is a one-time pension gain of
USD 265 million offset by litigation charges totaling USD 237 million and impairments
totaling USD 147 million. The first half of 2010 operating income margin improved 3.8
percentage points to 27.1% of net sales, up from 23.3% in the first half of 2009. Core
operating income, which excludes exceptional items and amortization of intangible assets
in both periods, rose 35% (+32% cc) to USD 7.1 billion. The first half of 2010 core
operating income margin rose 3.9 percentage points to 29.9% of net sales.

Income from associated companies

For the first half of 2010 income from associated companies increased from USD 207
million to 261 million or 26%. The increase is attributable to higher contribution from
both major associated companies Alcon and Roche. Core results increased from USD 486
million to USD 587 million or 21% for the first half year, primarily due to USD 62
million of the increase relating to Roche and USD 50 million to Alcon.

Financial income and interest expense

Financial income increased by 47% from USD 43 million to USD 63 million mainly due to a
positive currency result (compared to a loss in the prior year). Interest expenses
increased by 39% to USD 308 million from USD 222 million in the prior-year period as a
result of the issuance of US dollar bonds in February 2009 and March 2010 and a euro
bond in June 2009.

Taxes

The tax rate (taxes as percentage of pre-tax income) rose to 17.0% in the first half of
2010 from 15.2% in the 2009 period. A significant part of this increase was due to sales
of A(H1N1) pandemic flu vaccines in higher-tax jurisdictions.

Net income

Net income rose 34% (+29% cc) to USD 5.4 billion which is slighly lower than operating
income growth of 37% as contribution increases from associated companies and financial
income were more than offset by increased interest and tax expenses. Core net income
rose 29% (+25% cc) to USD 6.1 billion.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share (EPS) rose largely in line with net income to USD 2.34 in the first
half from USD 1.76 in the 2009 period, while core EPS grew 29% (+24% cc) to USD 2.65
from USD 2.06. The average number of shares outstanding rose 1% to 2,282.8 million from
2,264.9 million in the year-ago period, while a total of 2,287.5 million shares were
oustanding at June 30, 2010.

Balance sheet

Total assets amounted to USD 96.9 billion at June 30, 2010, an increase of USD 1.4
billion compared to the end of 2009. Cash and marketable securities rose by USD 5.5
billion as a result of reinvesting proceeds from operations and the US dollar bond
issued in March 2010. Intangible assets rose by USD 1.0 billion from the acquisitions of
Corthera Inc. and Oriel Therapeutics Inc. US. These increases were partly offset by
reductions due to currency changes (USD 4.1 billion) and lower financial assets.

Total liabilities increased by USD 3.1 billion to USD 41.1 billion as higher financial
debts of USD 4.6 billion were partially offset by reductions in other liabilities. The
Group’s equity fell by USD 1.6 billion to USD 55.8 billion at June 30, 2010, principally
due to the dividend payment for 2009 of USD 4.5 billion (a 14% increase from the
dividend payment for 2008 of USD 3.9 billion), net actuarial losses from defined benefit
plans of USD 1.2 billion and translation losses of USD 1.9 billion. These were partially
offset by net income of USD 5.4 billion and USD 0.6 billion from equity-based
compensation and sale of treasury shares, respectively, in the first half of 2010.

The Group’s debt/equity ratio rose to 0.33:1 at June 30, 2010, compared to 0.24:1 at the
end of 2009, reflecting the higher financial debt following the issuance of the USD 5
billion bond in March 2010 and the lower equity. The Group’s financial debt of USD 18.6
billion consisted of USD 5.4 billion in current and USD 13.2 billion in non-current
liabilities. Overall liquidity rose to USD 23.0 billion from USD 17.4 billion at the end
of 2009. Net liquidity at June 30, 2010 increased to USD 4.4 billion from USD 3.5
billion at the end of the previous year.

Credit agencies maintained their ratings of Novartis during the first half of 2010.
Moody’s rated the Group as Aa2 for long-term maturities and P-1 for short-term
maturities, and Standard & Poor’s had ratings of AA- for long-term and A-1+ for
short-term maturities. Fitch had a long-term rating of AA and a short-term rating of
F1+.

Cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities rose 37% to USD 6.3 billion in the first six months,
driven by the strong performance and in particular proceeds from A(H1N1) pandemic
vaccines. Cash used for investing activities fell by USD 1.1 billion to USD 4.5 billion
from the 2009 period. This was due to lower investments in marketable securities which
amounted to USD 3.0 billion compared to USD 4.4 billion in the prior year period and
cash outflows for acquisitions of subsidiaries which increased from USD 31 million to
USD 499 million principally due to USD 305 million for completion of the EBEWE Pharma
acquisition and the initial payments for Corthera and Oriel Therapeutics totaling USD
194 million. The cash flow from financing activities of USD 1.0 billion included a USD
5.2 billion increase in net financial debt due to the 2010 US dollar bond issuance and
USD 0.3 billion arising from treasury share transactions, principally related to
share-based compensation, which were largely offset by the dividend payment of USD 4.5
billion.

Free cash flow before dividends rose 54% or USD 1.8 billion to USD 5.3 billion
principally as a result of improved cash flow from operating activities.

INNOVATION REVIEW

Novartis has one of the industry’s most competitive pipelines with 136 projects in
pharmaceutical clinical development, of which 58 involve new molecular entities.

Among developments in the second quarter of 2010:

*

The FDA approved Zortress (everolimus) for the prevention of organ rejection in kidney
transplant patients and Tasigna (nilotinib) for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid
leukemia. EU approval was received for Diovan in treating pediatric hypertension,
following a positive CHMP opinion in December 2009.

*

The FDA advisory committee unanimously recommended approval of FTY720 (fingolimod) as
treatment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, the most common form of the
disease.

*

Submission for EU approval of a triple-medicine combination therapy for hypertension in
a single pill containing Tekturna/Rasilez, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide was
achieved in May, following the US submission in the first quarter. US submission of the
Afinitor dossier for approval in SEGA (subependymal giant cell astrocytoma) associated
with TS (tuberous sclerosis) achieved in April 2010.

*

EPO906 (ovarian cancer) was discontinued after a pivotal trial failed to achieve its
primary end point in the form of improved overall survival over current standard of care
(liposomal doxorubicin).

Q2 2010 selected major approvals: US, Europe and Japan

Product Active ingredient Indication Approval date
Certican Everolimus Kidney transplantation US – April
Diovan Valsartan Pediatric hypertension EU – April
Tasigna Nilotinib Newly diagnosed CML US – June

Selected projects awaiting regulatory decisions

Completed submissions
Product Indication US EU Japan News update
ABF656 Hepatitis C Q4 2009 – Dossier for ABF656 at once-every-two-weeks dosing was withdrawn in EU in April since additional information would be requested that could not be generated within required timeframe

– Dossier for ABF656 at once-every-two-weeks dosing continues under review in the US; the FDA provided preliminary comments to Human Genome Sciences on the potential risk/benefit of once-every-two-weeks dosing
Afinitor Tuberous sclerosis complex-subependymal giant cell astrocytomas Q2 2010 – FDA submission April and priority review; EU submission planned for 2010

– Phase II registration study data oral presentation at ASCO
Exelon Patch Alzheimer’s disease dementia Approved Approved Q1 2010
FTY720 Multiple sclerosis Q4 2009 Q4 2009 – FDA Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval

– EU: D120 questions have been received on May 20; Responses to these questions are planned to be submitted on August 18

Lucentis Diabetic macular edema Q4 2009 – Phase III RESTORE data presented in May 2010 at the European Association for the Study of Diabetic Eye Complications

– Regulatory feedback expected in Q4 2010
QAB149 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Q4 2008 Approved – Clinical trials underway to address FDA Complete Response letter (October 2009); resubmission planned by end 2010
Tasigna Newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia Approved Q4 2009 Q1 2010 – FDA approval received after priority review

– ENESTnd 18 month median follow-up oral presentation at ASCO

– ENESTnd 12 month median follow-up published in New England Journal of Medicine
Tekturna and amlodipline Hypertension Q4 2009 Q4 2009 – EU: Day 120 list of questions received in April 2010; CHMP opinion expected in Jan 2011 and approval in April 2011
Tekturna, amlodipine and Hypertension Q1 2010 Q2 2010 – EU submission achieved in May 2010

Hydro-chlorothiazide
TOBI-TIP Cystic fibrosis Q4 2009 – US submission planned for 2010
Zometa Adjuvant breast cancer Q4 2009 Q4 2009 – Regulatory feedback expected Q4 2010

Selected pharmaceutical pipeline projects

Project/ Compound Potential indication/ Disease area Planned submissions Current Phase News update
ACZ885 Refractory gout acute flares 2010 III – On track for 2010 submission

– Phase III data expected in Q3 2010
Systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis 2011 III
Type 2 diabetes 2012 II
Afinitor Neuroendocrine tumors 2010 III – On track for 2010 submission

– RADIANT 3 study in pancreatic NET met primary endpoint

– Results of RADIANT 3 shared at World Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancer (WCGI) on July 1, 2010

– RADIANT 2, a placebo-controlled Phase III study of Afinitor in combination with Sandostatin LAR
versus Sandostatin LAR alone in patients with advanced carcinoid tumors missed the primary endpoint by
a very small statistical margin (progression-free survival Hazard Ratio = 0.77 in favor of Afinitor, p
= 0.026 versus p=0.024 predefined). An imbalance in baseline between the two treatment arms was
observed and will be further investigated. Full data will be discussed with the Health Authorities in
the context of the upcoming submission.
Tuberous sclerosis complex AML 2011 III
ER+ breast cancer 2012 III
HER2+ breast cancer 2013 III
Gastric cancer 2012 III
HCC (Hepatocellular cancer) 2013 III – Initiated Phase III study in Q2
Lymphoma ≥2014 III
AFQ056 Parkinson’s disease- L-dopa induced dyskinesia 2012 II
Fragile X syndrome 2012 II
AG0178 Major depressive disorder 2012 III – Sublingual Phase III program initiated May 2010
AIN457 Behcet’s uveitis 2010 III – On track for 2010 submission
Non-infectious uveitis 2011 III
Psoriasis 2013 II – Phase III start planned for 2011
Rheumatoid arthritis 2013 II – Phase III start planned for end of 2010
ASA404 2nd line non-small cell lung cancer 2012 III – Interim analysis in H2 2010
BAF312 Multiple sclerosis ≥2014 II – Phase II data expected in Q4 2010
Certican Prevention of organ rejection – liver 2011 III
DEB025 Hepatitis C 2013 II – Phase III start planned in Q4 2010
Exjade Non transfusion dependent Thalassemia 2011 II
HCD122 Hematological tumors ≥2014 I
INC424 Myelofibrosis 2011 III
LBH589 Hodgkin’s lymphoma 2010 II – On track for 2010 submission

– Updated Phase II pivotal study data oral presentation at ASCO and European Hematology Association
(EHA) congresses
Multiple myeloma 2013 III – Phase I data oral in combination with Velcade(TM) (bortezomib) presentation at ASCO
Hematological tumors ≥2014 II
LCQ908 Type 2 diabetes ≥2014 II – Phase II interim results expected in second half of 2010
LCZ696 Heart failure ≥2014 III
LDE225 Gorlin’s syndrome 2011 II
Lucentis Retinal vein occlusion 2010 III – EU submission on track for Q4 2010 (with Genentech Phase III data)
NVA237 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2011 III
PKC412 Aggressive systemic mastocytosis 2011 II
Acute myeloid leukemia 2013 III
PRT128 Acute coronary syndrome 2013 II – First data from INNOVATE-PCI Phase II trial results to be presented at European Society of

Chronic coronary heart disease Cardiology in August 2010
– First Phase III start planned for H2 2010
PTK796 Complicated skin and soft tissue infections 2012 III
QAX028 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ≥2014 II – Results from a Phase IIa efficacy study are expected in H2 2010
QMF149 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2013 II
Asthma 2013 II
QTI571 (Glivec) Pulmonary arterial hypertension 2011 III
QVA149 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2012 III – Results from a Phase IIa efficacy study presented in late 2009

– Phase III started in April 2010
Project/ Compound Potential indication/ Disease area Planned submissions Current Phase News update
RLX030 Acute heart failure 2013 III
SBR759 Hyperphosphatemia 2011 III
SMC021 Osteoarthritis 2011 III – Waiting for data in H2 2010
Osteoporosis 2011 III – On track for 2011 submission.

– Two-year interim analysis expected end 2010
SOM230 Cushing’s disease 2010 III – On track for 2010 submission

– Phase III study met endpoint; results to be submitted for presentation at the 14th Congress of
the European Neuroendocrine Association
Acromegaly 2011 III
Refractory / resistant carcinoid syndrome 2011 III
Tasigna Gastrointestinal stromal tumor ≥2014 III
cKIT melanoma 2012 III – Phase III started in April 2010
TKI258 Solid tumors 2013 II

Selected vaccine pipeline projects

Project/ Compound Potential indication/ Disease area Planned submissions Current Phase News update
Menveo Prevention of meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, Y and W-135) in infants 2011 (EU/US) III
MenB Multi-component vaccine for prevention of meningococcal disease (serogroup B) 2010 (EU) III – Awaiting Phase III results in EU (Q3/Q4) before progressing with Phase III in US

(meningococcal serogroups B)
Optaflu Seasonal influenza (cell culture subunit vaccine) 2011 (US) III
Fluad pediatric Seasonal influenza (subunit vaccine with MF59 adjuvant) 2010 (EU) III – Trial results to be published in Q3

Disclaimer

These materials contain certain forward-looking statements relating to the Group’s
business, which can be identified by terminology such as “momentum,” “recommendation,”
“investigational,” “strategic,” ” commitment,” “goal,” “pipeline,” “encouraged,”
“recommendation,” “priority review,” “potential,” “strategy,” “can,” “promising,” “on
track,” “expected,” “will,” “to continue to,” “promising,” “could,” “outlook,”
“expects,” “expectation,” “expectations,” “plans,” “would,” “recommended,” “planned,”
“to be,” or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions potential future
sales or earnings of the Novartis Group or any of its divisions or business units; or
regarding potential new products, potential new indications for existing products, or
regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or regarding the potential
acquisition and merger with Alcon; or by discussions of strategy, plans, expectations or
intentions. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such
forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Group regarding future
events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that the
Novartis Group, or any of its divisions or business units, will achieve any particular
financial results, or that the Novartis Group will achieve any of its strategic
priorities. Nor can there be any guarantee that any new products will be approved for
sale in any market, or that any new indications will be approved for existing products
in any market, or that such products will achieve any particular revenue levels. Neither
can there be any guarantee that the proposed acquisition and merger with Alcon will be
completed in the expected form or within the expected time frame or at all. Nor can
there be any guarantee that Novartis will be able to realize any of the potential
synergies, strategic benefits or opportunities as a result of the proposed acquisition.
In particular, management’s expectations could be affected by, among other things,
unexpected clinical trial results, including additional analyses of existing clinical
data or unexpected new clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or
government regulation generally; the Group’s ability to obtain or maintain patent or
other proprietary intellectual property protection; uncertainties regarding actual or
potential legal proceedings, including, among others, product liability litigation,
litigation regarding sales and marketing practices, government investigations and
intellectual property disputes; competition in general; government, industry, and
general public pricing and other political pressures; uncertainties regarding the
ongoing government debt crisis and the after-effects of the recent global financial and
economic crisis; uncertainties regarding future global exchange rates and uncertainties
regarding future demand for our products; uncertainties involved in the development of
new pharmaceutical products; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the
values attributed to the Group’s assets and liabilities as recorded in the Group’s
consolidated balance sheet; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s
current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or
more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove
incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as
anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in
these materials as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any
forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and
societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best
meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive
vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company
with leading positions in these areas. In 2009, the Group’s continuing operations
achieved net sales of USD 44.3 billion, while approximately USD 7.5 billion was invested
in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis
Group companies employ approximately 102,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate
in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit
http://www.novartis.com http://www.novartis.com/ .

Important dates

October 21, 2010 Third quarter and first nine months 2010 results

November 17, 2010 Novartis Investor Business Update Meeting

January 2011 Fourth quarter and full-year 2010 results

All product names appearing in italics are trademarks owned by or licensed to Novartis
Group Companies.

Please find full media release in English attached and on the following link:

http://hugin.info/134323/R/1431809/378103.pdf

http://hugin.info/134323/R/1431809/378103.pdf

Further language versions are available through the following links:

German version is available through the following link:

http://hugin.info/134323/R/1431807/378101.pdf

http://hugin.info/134323/R/1431807/378101.pdf

French version is available through the following link:

http://hugin.info/134323/R/1431808/378102.pdf

http://hugin.info/134323/R/1431808/378102.pdf

HUG#1431809

Media release (PDF) http://hugin.info/134323/R/1431809/378103.pdf

— End of Message —

Swiss stocks – Factors to watch on Thursday

ZURICH, 15 July (Reuters) – The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Thursday:

NOVARTIS (NOVN.VX)

Novartis will pay $175 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the Swiss drugmaker of discriminating against 5,600 current and former female sales representatives in pay and promotions.

Novartis is due to report Q2 results at 0500 GMT.

For related news, click on [NOVN.VX]

SGS (SGSN.VX)

Inspection services group SGS is due to report H1 results at 0500 GMT.

ECONOMY [M-CH]

Swiss ZEW investor sentiment for July is due at 0900 GMT.

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Schulthess (SGRN.S) to complete restructuring by the end of fiscal 2010 [SGRN.S]

* Oridion (ORIDN.S) introduces next generation capnography system for upper endoscopy procedures

* U-blox (UBXN.S) expands production capacity to South America. [UBXN.S]

EQUITY RESEARCH [CH-RCH]

FOR COMPANIES TRADING EX-DIVIDEND, PLEASE CLICK ON:

.EX.S for all Swiss stocks

.EXSMI.S for blue chips

.EXNSMI.S for other stocks

Alcon Independent Director Committee Announces Creation and Funding of Litigation Trust

HUENENBERG, Switzerland–(Business Wire)–
The Alcon Independent Director Committee (the “IDC”) announced today the
creation and funding of the Alcon Litigation Trust (the “Trust”), an irrevocable
trust established under New York law pursuant to a resolution of the Alcon board
of directors. The current members of the IDC are the initial trustees of the
Trust.

The Trust, which has been funded with $50 million, is intended to provide the
financial means to commence, defend or maintain litigation relating to any
transaction between Alcon and a majority shareholder, including the transaction
contemplated by the merger proposal announced by Novartis AG (“Novartis”) on
January 4, 2010. The Trust has been created to ensure the protection of the
interests of Alcon and its minority shareholders in connection with any such
transaction. For example, without the Trust, once Novartis becomes Alcon`s
majority shareholder, it could attempt to cause Alcon to withhold funds from the
IDC and thereby frustrate the IDC`s ability to effectively protect the minority
shareholders through a litigation strategy.

Thomas G. Plaskett, Chairman of the IDC, said, “Novartis` merger proposal is not
only grossly inadequate to the minority shareholders of Alcon, which include its
valuable employees, but also creates considerable legal uncertainty that could
very likely result in significant litigation costs and delays in achieving
merger synergies for both companies in the absence of a negotiated transaction.
Given Novartis` actions and statements to date, we unfortunately can ill-afford
to assume that Novartis will voluntarily honor the fair process contemplated by
Alcon`s organizational documents, Swiss law and established principles of good
corporate governance. Therefore, we felt that it is necessary to take this step
now to help ensure that the fair process is observed once Novartis completes the
acquisition of Nestlé`s stake in Alcon.”

The Trust`s property is held solely for the benefit of Alcon`s minority
shareholders and may only be expended to the extent determined by the trustees
to be in the best interests of Alcon and its minority shareholders. Of the $50
million comprising the Trust`s property, no more than $10 million may be used
for fees, expenses or liabilities that are not mandatory court costs such as the
advancement of judicial costs or the posting of a bond or other security by a
party seeking injunctive relief. As the principal purpose of any bond or other
security required by a court is to serve as compensation to an enjoined party in
the event that such party incurs losses as a result of any granted injunctive
relief that is ultimately overturned, the vast majority of the Trust`s property
will ultimately be either disbursed to Novartis or returned to Alcon upon
termination of the Trust.

The Trust will terminate, among other circumstances, if a majority of the group
comprising the trustees and the other non-conflicted members of the IDC as of
such time recommend a transaction between Alcon and Novartis in accordance with
the processes set forth in Alcon`s organizational documents. The Trust will also
terminate if a court of competent jurisdiction, in a final, non-appealable,
binding order or decision, holds either that the transaction contemplated by
Novartis` merger proposal is legal, valid and effective or that Novartis`
removal of the current IDC members from the Alcon Board of Directors is legal,
valid and effective.

Please refer to the complete trust agreement for all terms and conditions
governing the Trust, which the IDC has posted on its website:
www.transactioninfo.com/alcon. The IDC has also posted a series of questions and
answers about the Trust.

Greenhill & Co., Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Pestalozzi, Zurich, are continuing
to act as financial and legal advisors to the IDC.

About Alcon

Alcon, Inc. is the world`s leading eye care company, with sales of approximately
$6.5 billion in 2009. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry
for 65 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals,
surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens solutions and other vision care
products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon
operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180 markets. For more information
on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company`s website at www.alcon.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This press release may contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements reflect
the views of the IDC as of the date of this press release with respect to future
events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties.
Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Novartis or Alcon
will achieve any particular future financial results or future growth rates or
that Novartis or Alcon will be able to realize any potential synergies,
strategic benefits or opportunities as a result of the consummation of the
Novartis purchase or the proposed merger. Also, there can be no guarantee that
the IDC will obtain any particular result. Except to the extent required under
the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly
update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new
information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Media Inquiries:
Brunswick Group
Steve Lipin/Lauren Levin-Epstein, 212-333-3810
or
Investor Inquiries:
Mackenzie Partners
Bob Marese/Larry Dennedy, 800-322-2885

Copyright Business Wire 2010

MorphoSys Announces Clinical Milestone from Strategic Alliance

MARTINSRIED, GERMANY and MUNCHEN, GERMANY, Jul 01
(MARKET WIRE) —
MorphoSys AG / MorphoSys Announces Clinical Milestone from Strategic
Alliance processed and transmitted by Hugin AS. The issuer is solely
responsible for the content of this announcement.

Second Clinical Milestone in 2010

MorphoSys AG (FSE: MOR; Prime
Standard Segment, TecDAX) announced today that it will receive a
milestone payment from Novartis in connection with the initiation of a
phase 1 clinical trial, using a HuCAL-derived, fully human antibody in the
therapeutic area of musculoskeletal diseases. Today’s news represents the
second HuCAL-derived antibody to achieve this stage during the course of
2010, following a clinical milestone hit as part of the alliance with
Centocor in June 2010.

“Therapeutic antibodies based on our technologies will be our main value
driver in the years ahead and we expect our pipeline to continue to
expand and mature. At the end of 2010, we expect MorphoSys to be
participating in almost 80 unique product opportunities,” commented Dr.
Marlies Sproll, Chief Scientific Officer of MorphoSys AG. “Today’s news
represents the third antibody to enter clinical development from our
collaboration with Novartis and the second HuCAL- derived antibody to
enter clinical development this year.”

MorphoSys projects that in 2010 between four and six partnered programs
could enter clinical trials. With the recently announced in-licensing of
an Fc-engineered antibody against CD19 from Xencor Inc., MorphoSys now
expects up to 15 proprietary and partnered antibody programs to be in
clinical trials including at least four programs in phase 2 clinical
trials by year end.

About MorphoSys:

MorphoSys is an independent biotechnology company that develops novel
antibodies for therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications. The
Company’s HuCAL technology is one of the most powerful methods available
for generating fully human antibodies. By successfully applying this and
other proprietary technologies, MorphoSys has become a leader in the
field of therapeutic antibodies, one of the fastest-growing drug classes
in human health-care. Through its alliances with some of the world’s
leading pharmaceutical companies, MorphoSys has created a pipeline of
more than 60 drug candidates. The Company is expanding its drug pipeline
by adding new partnered programs, and by building a portfolio of
fully-owned therapeutic antibodies. For its proprietary portfolio, the
Company is focused on the areas of oncology and inflammation. Its most
advanced program MOR103, a first-in-class, fully human antibody against
GM- CSF, is currently tested in a Phase Ib/IIa trial in rheumatoid
arthritis patients. Via its business unit AbD Serotec, MorphoSys is
expanding the reach of its technologies in the diagnostics and research
markets. MorphoSys is headquartered in Munich, Germany and listed on the
Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “MOR”. For further information,
visithttp://www.morphosys.com/

HuCAL(R), HuCAL GOLD(R), HuCAL
PLATINUM(R), CysDisplay(R) and RapMAT(R) are registered trademarks of
MorphoSys AG.

This communication contains certain forward-looking
statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies. The
forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of
MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and
uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the Company’s
assumptions, actual results and actions may differ from those anticipated.
MorphoSys does not intend to update any of these forward-looking
statements as far as the wording of the relevant press release is
concerned.

For more information, please contact:

MorphoSys AG
Dr. Claudia Gutjahr-Loeser
Head of Corporate Communications & IR
Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-122

Mario Brkulj
Senior Manager Corporate Communications & IR
Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-454

Jessica Kulpi
Specialist Corporate Communications & IR
Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-332

investors@morphosys.com

[HUG#1428708]

MorphoSys AG: MorphoSys Announces Clinical Milestone from Strategic Alliance

MorphoSys AG / MorphoSys Announces Clinical Milestone from Strategic Alliance processed
and transmitted by Hugin AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this
announcement.

Second Clinical Milestone in 2010

MorphoSys AG (FSE: MOR; Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX) announced today that it will
receive a milestone payment from Novartis in connection with the initiation of a phase 1
clinical trial, using a HuCAL-derived, fully human antibody in the therapeutic area of
musculoskeletal diseases. Today’s news represents the second HuCAL-derived antibody to
achieve this stage during the course of 2010, following a clinical milestone hit as part
of the alliance with Centocor in June 2010.

“Therapeutic antibodies based on our technologies will be our main value driver in the
years ahead and we expect our pipeline to continue to expand and mature. At the end of
2010, we expect MorphoSys to be participating in almost 80 unique product
opportunities,” commented Dr. Marlies Sproll, Chief Scientific Officer of MorphoSys AG.
“Today’s news represents the third antibody to enter clinical development from our
collaboration with Novartis and the second HuCAL-derived antibody to enter clinical
development this year.”

MorphoSys projects that in 2010 between four and six partnered programs could enter
clinical trials. With the recently announced in-licensing of an Fc-engineered antibody
against CD19 from Xencor Inc., MorphoSys now expects up to 15 proprietary and partnered
antibody programs to be in clinical trials including at least four programs in phase 2
clinical trials by year end.

About MorphoSys:

MorphoSys is an independent biotechnology company that develops novel antibodies for
therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications. The Company’s HuCAL technology is one
of the most powerful methods available for generating fully human antibodies. By
successfully applying this and other proprietary technologies, MorphoSys has become a
leader in the field of therapeutic antibodies, one of the fastest-growing drug classes
in human health-care. Through its alliances with some of the world’s leading
pharmaceutical companies, MorphoSys has created a pipeline of more than 60 drug
candidates. The Company is expanding its drug pipeline by adding new partnered programs,
and by building a portfolio of fully-owned therapeutic antibodies. For its proprietary
portfolio, the Company is focused on the areas of oncology and inflammation. Its most
advanced program MOR103, a first-in-class, fully human antibody against GM-CSF, is
currently tested in a Phase Ib/IIa trial in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Via its
business unit AbD Serotec, MorphoSys is expanding the reach of its technologies in the
diagnostics and research markets. MorphoSys is headquartered in Munich, Germany and
listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “MOR”. For further information,
visit http://www.morphosys.com/ http://www.morphosys.com/

HuCAL®, HuCAL GOLD®, HuCAL PLATINUM®, CysDisplay® and RapMAT® are registered trademarks
of MorphoSys AG.

This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys
group of companies. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the
judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and
uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the Company’s assumptions, actual
results and actions may differ from those anticipated. MorphoSys does not intend to
update any of these forward-looking statements as far as the wording of the relevant
press release is concerned.

For more information, please contact:

MorphoSys AG
Dr. Claudia Gutjahr-Löser
Head of Corporate Communications & IR
Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-122

Mario Brkulj
Senior Manager Corporate Communications & IR
Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-454

Jessica Kulpi
Specialist Corporate Communications & IR
Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-332

investors@morphosys.com mailto:investors@morphosys.com

HUG#1428708

Press Release http://hugin.info/130295/R/1428708/376102.pdf

— End of Message —

MorphoSys AG
Lena-Christ-Str. 48 Martinsried / München Germany

WKN: 663200;ISIN: DE0006632003;Index:TecDAX,Prime All Share,CDAX,TECH All
Share,HDAX,MIDCAP;
Listed: Freiverkehr in Börse Stuttgart,
Freiverkehr in Hanseatische Wertpapierbörse zu Hamburg,
Freiverkehr in Börse Berlin,
Freiverkehr in Börse Düsseldorf,
Freiverkehr in Bayerische Börse München,
Freiverkehr in Niedersächsische Börse zu Hannover,
Prime Standard in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse,
Regulierter Markt in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse;

Novartis’s Afinitor keeps NET cancer at bay longer

July 1 (Reuters) – Novartis AG’s (NOVN.VX) cancer drug Afinitor more than doubles the time patients with a certain type of pancreatic cancer live without tumour growth, the Swiss drugmaker said on Thursday.

Novartis has already said it plans worldwide regulatory filings this year for the potential billion-dollar seller after the drug met its primary goal in a Phase III study by significantly extending progression-free survival in patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NET). [ID:nZAT010885]

Pancreatic NET can grow aggressively and at the time of diagnosis nearly 60 percent of all patients have advanced disease, meaning the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and is more difficult to treat, Novartis said.

Although considered a rare cancer, cases of NET are increasing rapidly and have quadrupled in the past 30 years, Novartis said. The median overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic NET is 24 months and at present surgery and chemotherapy are the only available treatment options for patients with the disease, the group said. (Reporting by Katie Reid; Editing by Dan Lalor)

Swiss stocks – Factors to watch on July 1

ZURICH, July 1 – The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Thursday:

NOVARTIS (NOVN.VX)

Novartis AG said it expects to close its buy of a majority stake in U.S. eyecare group Alcon (ACL.N) in the late third quarter or fourth quarter, paving the way for it to take full control of the group.[ID:nLDE65T2IM]

For more, click on (NOVN.VX)

ECONOMY [M-CH]

* June Purchasing Managers’ Index at 0715 GMT

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Meyer Burger (MBTN.S) said it had cancelled a 29 million euro ($35.48 million) contract with Spanish-based Pevafers after steps of a large project could not be carried out as planned due to the global financial crisis.

EQUITY RESEARCH [CH-RCH]

FOR COMPANIES TRADING EX-DIVIDEND, PLEASE CLICK ON:

.EX.S for all Swiss stocks

.EXSMI.S for blue chips

.EXNSMI.S for other stocks

Tecan Group AG: Tecan announces OEM agreement with global diagnostics company

Tecan Group AG / Tecan announces OEM agreement with global diagnostics company processed
and transmitted by Hugin AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this
announcement.

*

Tecan to supply high-throughput instruments to provide blood banks with flexible pooling
and archiving solution

*
Supply of first instruments expected in 2010

Männedorf, Switzerland, June 10, 2010 – The Tecan Group (SIX Swiss Exchange: TECN) today
announced a global OEM agreement with the diagnostics business of Novartis for the
supply of a new high-throughput instrument designed to provide blood banks with a
flexible, single-platform pooling and archiving solution. Under the agreement, Tecan
will supply instruments that will be used in multiple pooling, archive volume, and
workflow configurations to meet the differing needs of blood banks testing individual or
pooled donations.

The instruments, which Novartis will market as part of its leading Procleix® blood
screening portfolio, will be based on Tecan’s flexible and reliable Freedom EVO® liquid
handling platform, and will integrate Tecan’s Pressure Monitored Pipetting(TM), a
sophisticated online tool for real-time quality control of the liquid transfer process
that increases process security.

Tecan expects to supply the first instruments in 2010 with additional configurations to
follow in 2011 and 2012. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Blood Safety

Blood banks take many precautions to safeguard blood supplies, including testing blood
for HIV and hepatitis with extremely sensitive nucleic acid technologies able to detect
very low levels of infection. Some blood banks test donations individually while others
combine samples from multiple donors (called “pooling”) before testing. If an infection
is detected, the individual units are re-tested and the infected unit is removed.

About Tecan

Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global provider of laboratory instruments and
solutions in biopharmaceuticals, forensics, and clinical diagnostics. The company
specializes in the development, production and distribution of instruments and automated
workflow solutions for laboratories in the life sciences sector. With its subsidiary
REMP (www.remp.com), Tecan is the market leader in automated laboratory storage and
logistics systems. Its clients include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,
university research departments, forensic and diagnostic laboratories. As an original
equipment manufacturer, Tecan is also a leader in developing and manufacturing OEM
instruments and components that are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in
Switzerland in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development sites in
both Europe and North America and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries.
In 2009, Tecan generated sales of CHF 392 million (USD 361.2 million; EUR 259.6
million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TK:
TECN/Reuters: TECZn.S/ ISIN CH0012100191).

For further information:

Tecan Group

Martin Braendle

Head of Corporate Communications &

Investor Relations

Tel. +41 (0) 44 922 84 30

Fax +41 (0) 44 922 88 89

investor@tecan.com mailto:investor@tecan.com

www.tecan.com http://www.tecan.com/

HUG#1422399

Tecan OEM Agreement Novartis http://hugin.info/100384/R/1422399/371491.pdf

— End of Message —

Tecan Group AG
Seestrasse 103 Männedorf Switzerland

ISIN: CH0012100191;

REFILE-UPDATE 1-Merck KGaA again seeks U.S. nod for MS pill

FRANKFURT, June 8 (Reuters) – Germany’s Merck KGaA (MRCG.DE) has resubmitted its request for U.S. regulatory approval for its cladribine drug as it tries to catch up in the race for the first multiple sclerosis (MS) pill.

Merck in February had said it met with U.S. regulators in January about the approval for cladribine but had so far not given a timetable for resubmitting the drug, which is also under review in Europe.

Merck’s shares were indicated unchanged before the German market opens at 0700 GMT on Tuesday.

Rival Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG (NOVN.VX) on April 13 moved closer to bringing the first oral MS treatment to market after new data showed its Gilenia pill cut relapse rates in the disease. [ID:nZAT010805]

Gilenia had earlier been given U.S. priority review status. U.S. experts are set to vote this week on whether to recommend approval. [ID:nLDE6530NT]

Merck KGaA had slipped behind Novartis in November after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration held up its application to bring cladribine to market. [ID:nGEE5AT1KS]

Merck had said its bid to bring the pill to European markets remained on track.

The head of Merck’s drug unit, Elmar Schnee, said on April 9 that advisers to European regulators would probably issue an assessment of the drug in the third quarter, adding he was confident about an approval. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Michael Shields)

Cancer news boosts Bristol; Roche, Novartis steady

* Bristol-Myers shares up 2.6 percent in thin German trade

* Melanoma data underpins sales hopes for ipilimumab

* Roche ovarian cancer data seen “solid but not stunning”

* Novartis looks well-placed to fight challenger in CML

* UK biotech Antisoma up 22 percent on hopes for mid-stage drug

Emisphere Technologies Announces Expanded Collaboration Agreement and Cancellation…

Emisphere Technologies Announces Expanded Collaboration Agreement and
Cancellation of Convertible Promissory Note

CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., June 4, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emisphere Technologies,
Inc. (OTCBB:EMIS) (the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into an
expanded relationship with Novartis Pharma AG (“Novartis”) pursuant to which
Novartis has cancelled the Company’s Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”).
The Note was originally issued to Novartis on December 1, 2004 in connection
with the Research Collaboration and Option License Agreement between the parties
of that date and was originally due December 1, 2009. Previously, Novartis had
agreed to extend the maturity date to June 4, 2010.

In connection with the cancellation of the Note, the parties have agreed to
modify the royalty and milestone payment schedule for the Research Collaboration
and Option Agreement and License Agreement between the parties for the
development of an oral salmon calcitonin product for the treatment of
osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Additionally, the Company has granted Novartis
the right to evaluate the feasibility of using Emisphere’s Eligen(R) Technology
with two new compounds to assess the potential for new product development
opportunities. If Novartis chooses to develop oral formulations of these new
compounds using the Eligen(R) Technology, the parties will negotiate additional
agreements. In that case, Emisphere could be entitled to receive development
milestone and royalty payments in connection with the development and
commercialization of these potentially new products.

About Emisphere Technologies, Inc.

Emisphere is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on a unique and improved
delivery of therapeutic molecules or nutritional supplements using its Eligen(R)
Technology. These molecules and compounds could be currently available or in
development. Such molecules are usually delivered by injection; in many cases,
their benefits are limited due to poor bioavailability, slow on-set of action or
variable absorption. The Eligen(R) Technology can be applied to the oral route
of administration as well as other delivery pathways, such as buccal, rectal,
inhalation, intra-vaginal or transdermal. The Company’s website is:
www.emisphere.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this release and oral statements made by representatives of
Emisphere relating to matters that are not historical facts (including without
limitation those regarding the timing or potential outcomes of research
collaborations or clinical trials, any market that might develop for any of
Emisphere’s product candidates and the sufficiency of Emisphere’s cash and other
capital resources) are forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the likelihood that future
research will prove successful, the likelihood that any product in the research
pipeline will receive regulatory approval in the United States or abroad, the
ability of Emisphere and/or its partners to develop, manufacture and
commercialize products using Emisphere’s drug delivery technology, Emisphere’s
ability to fund such efforts with or without partners, and other risks and
uncertainties detailed in Emisphere’s filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors”
in Emisphere’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2009 (file No. 000-17758), filed on March 25, 2010.

CONTACT: Emisphere Technologies, Inc.
Michael Garone, Chief Financial Officer
973-532-8005
mgarone@emisphere.com

Rx Communications Group
Paula Schwartz
917-322-2216
pschwartz@rxir.com

Novartis ordered to pay 250 m dollars to sexually harassed female sales reps

New York, May 20 (ANI): A Manhattan jury has asked drugs giant Novartis to cough up 250 million dollars in punitive damages to thousands of female sales reps who were victims of gender discrimination.

The award came two days after jurors in the Manhattan Federal Court case awarded 3.3 million dollars in compensatory damages to 12 plaintiffs, who said they were denied promotions and pay raises in a sexually charged workplace.

“This is a vindication of everything that has happened in this courtroom over the last two months,” the New York Daily News quoted David Sanford, a lawyer for the women, as saying.

A dozen women had originally sued Novartis, the maker of Excedrin, Gas-X and Vagistat, for discrimination in 2004.

Close to 5,600 former and current Novartis reps eventually joined the class action, accusing the drug maker of engaging in massive sexual discrimination.

A Novartis spokeswoman did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the company has said it plans to appeal.

Judge Colleen McMahon will eventually decide how much each member of the class receives. (ANI)

How we can sense temperatures

London, Apr 24 (ANI): A group of experts has shed new light on the molecular mechanism that enables us to sense temperature, such as the heat from a sizzling stove.

The finding by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) could one day lead to new therapies for conditions such as acute or chronic inflammatory pain.

The study, which was led by Scripps Research and GNF Professor Ardem Patapoutian, was published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

To understand temperature sensation, the researchers focused on a protein called TRPV1, which is a member of a small family of proteins known to enable temperature sensation, and is involved in inflammation and the communication of pain to the brain. After producing thousands of mutants of this protein, the scientists were able to identify a region of the protein that enabled temperature sensitivity and to detail some of the molecular mechanisms at work in the molecule.

“Ever since the discovery of these proteins, it has been an outstanding question how they can be activated by temperatures,” said Research Associate Jörg Grandl, a member of the Patapoutian lab and first author of the paper. “The new study addresses this question.”

“Because our ability to sense temperature is closely linked to our ability to sense pain, some of these ion channels are considered targets to treat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain indications,” said Patapoutian. “Understanding these proteins could be crucial in designing future drugs that can either activate or block them.” (ANI)

Pfizer to outline Ratiopharm offer: sources

YORK/FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Pfizer Inc is set to make a near $4 billion offer for German generic drug maker Ratiopharm GmbH this week, competing with bids from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd and Actavis, several sources familiar with the situation said.

Deals

Pfizer, the world’s largest drugmaker, had previously cooled on Ratiopharm, however it was asked to rejoin the auction and present its bid to Ratiopharm’s board and management, two sources said.

Pfizer was expected to “be competitive” with a rival offer from Iceland’s Actavis, one source said, adding Pfizer could still walk away without submitting a binding offer.

The auction could linger several more weeks, with a decision unlikely before the end of the month, a second source said.

Several sources told Reuters in February that Teva and Iceland’s Actavis would be bidding for Ratiopharm. One source said at the time that the offer from Actavis was the highest, at close to 3 billion euros ($4.1 billion).

That would make the deal the biggest generics takeover since Teva’s $7.5 billion purchase of U.S. rival Barr, announced in July 2008.

Industrial heir Ludwig Merckle put Ratiopharm on the block as part of concessions made to creditors by his father Adolf Merckle, who committed suicide in January 2009 after ceding control of his business empire to lenders during the financial crisis.

Pfizer and Ratiopharm declined to comment.

Shares in Pfizer were down 0.85 percent and Teva shares were up 0.61 percent at 1157 GMT.

Pfizer is joining drug majors such as Sanofi-Aventis and Novartis who have coupled their traditional research-based drugs businesses with generics arms to turn the loss of patent exclusivity — at least in part — to their advantage.

Drugs representing annual sales of $95 billion are facing generic competition in the years 2009 to 2013.

The U.S. drugmaker has struck a string of collaboration deals and acquisitions to bolster its range of generics, particularly injectable drugs.

An alliance with India’s Strides Arcolab Ltd in January marked the latest step.

A tie-up with Ratiopharm could help Pfizer reduce costs at its generic pills business, analysts at Credit Suisse said.

Pfizer derives more than $10 billion in sales from off-patent drugs at its so-called “established products” unit — to a large part from its own medicines that have lost exclusivity.

(Reporting by Jessica Hall and Ritsuko Ando in New York, Deena Beasley in Los Angeles, Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt; Editing by Steve Orlofsky, Phil Berlowitz and Sharon Lindores)

GlaxoSmithKline nears $3 bln deal for Stiefel-WSJ

(Adds details, background)

NEW YORK, April 19 (Reuters) – GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK.L) is close to a deal to buy U.S. skincare specialist Stiefel Laboratories for about $3 billion, the Wall Street Journal said on its website on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

The deal for Stiefel, which is partly owned by private equity firm Blackstone Group (BX.N), is expected to be announced on Monday, the report said, adding there is still a chance it could fall apart.

A person familiar with the matter told Reuters a month ago that Stiefel was considering selling itself and had asked Blackstone to seek offers for the business.

Stiefel is the world’s largest independent dermatology company and is viewed as a potentially attractive asset for major drugmakers, industry experts have said.

The source had told Reuters that Blackstone and the company’s family owners were seeking a speedy sale.

The Wall Street Journal, which had first reported news of the possible sale last month, said the business had drawn interest from a number of major drug companies, including Johnson and Johnson (JNJ.N) and Novartis AG (NOVN.VX). (Reporting by Jui Chakravorty Das; Editing by Jan Paschal)

GlaxoSmithKline nears $3 billion deal for Stiefel: report

NEW YORK (Reuters) – GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK.L) is close to a deal to buy U.S. skincare specialist Stiefel Laboratories for about $3 billion, the Wall Street Journal said on its website on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

The deal for Stiefel, which is partly owned by private equity firm Blackstone Group (BX.N), is expected to be announced on Monday, the report said, adding there is still a chance it could fall apart.

A person familiar with the matter told Reuters a month ago that Stiefel was considering selling itself and had asked Blackstone to seek offers for the business.

Stiefel is the world’s largest independent dermatology company and is viewed as a potentially attractive asset for major drugmakers, industry experts have said.

The source had told Reuters that Blackstone and the company’s family owners were seeking a speedy sale.

The Wall Street Journal, which had first reported news of the possible sale last month, said the business had drawn interest from a number of major drug companies, including Johnson and Johnson (JNJ.N) and Novartis AG (NOVN.VX).

(Reporting by Jui Chakravorty Das; Editing by Jan Paschal)

Novartis To Raise Its Stake In Indian Arm To 90%; Stock Surges 20%

Swiss drug manufacturer Novartis AG made an open offer to purchase an additional equity stake of 39% in its Indian arm Novartis India Ltd. for a total value of up to Rs 440 crore.

The parent company would buy back the shares from public shareholders at INR351 a share.

After the successful completion of this offer, Novartis will hold 90% stake in the Indian arm from the current 50.9%.

Novartis AG made the offer at a premium of 27% to Novartis India’s closing price of Rs 275.6 on March 24.

The offer for these shares is likely to open in May 2009, and is subject to regulatory approvals.

At 1:35 p.m., shares of Novartis India surged 20% to trade at Rs 330.70 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The total volume of shares traded was 13,844 at the BSE. Current EPS and P/E ratio stood at 32.73 and 10.10 respectively.

Cytos says hypertension drug failed, will cut staff

Cytos says hypertension drug failed, will cut staff Zurich – Cytos Biotechnology said Tuesday a vaccine it was developing for hypertension has failed to show positive results and the company would scale back a significant amount of its workforce in response.

The company’s stock was down over 33 per cent in mid-afternoon trading on the Zurich exchange following the announcement.

“The study results show that the vaccine was safe and well tolerated, but the new treatment regimen failed to induce a significant reduction of the ambulatory blood pressure,” Cytos said in a statement.

Tests during an earlier phase of trials of the vaccine known as CYT006-AngQb had shown more promising outcomes, the company said.

“In order to align its financial resources on the key development programs and its collaborations with Novartis and Pfizer, the company plans to reduce its workforce of presently 135 full time employees by up to 57,” the statement said.

This would cut the company’s gross cash burn rate to 36 million Swiss francs (30.4 million dollars) this year and in 2010 to approximately 25 million francs, the company said, allowing it to invest in research and development.

Cytos develops so-called immunodrugs meant to treat and prevent common chronic diseases. (dpa)