Innovation drives Novartis to double-digit growth for 2010

Novartis achieved strong financial results in 2010 -Net sales up 14% (+14% in constant currencies, or cc) to USD 50.6 billion. Solid sales growth in fourth quarter, operating income impacted by one-offs and A(H1N1) pandemic flu vaccine sales in the prior year. Pipeline and recently launched products deliver sustained growth momentum. Continued rejuvenation of Group’s portfolio with recently launched products contributing 21% of net sales (USD 10.4 billion) in 2010. Industry leading pharmaceutical pipeline with 16 major submissions in 2010 in the US, EU and Japan, including, in the fourth quarter, ACZ885 in gouty arthritis (EU), Lucentis in retinal vein occlusion (EU), SOM230 in Cushing’s disease (EU), and Afinitor in advanced neuroendocrine tumors (EU, US); in addition, we filed our meningococcal B vaccine Bexsero (EU)

13 major approvals gained in Pharmaceuticals in 2010 in the US, EU and Japan, including fourth quarter approvals for Tasigna in first-line chronic myeloid leukemia (EU, Switzerland, Japan), for Lucentis in diabetic macular edema (EU), and for Afinitor in subependymal giant cell astrocytomas associated with tuberous sclerosis (US).

Commenting on the results, Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, said:

“Novartis achieved excellent results in 2010 as all divisions contributed to above-market growth. I am proud that Novartis continues to lead the industry in innovation, with 13 key product approvals and 16 major filings in Pharmaceuticals in 2010, including our breakthrough multiple sclerosis therapy, Gilenya, which has been launched in the US. We also filed Bexsero, our meningococcal B vaccine, in the EU. In addition, our agreed 100% merger with Alcon, which should complete in the first half of 2011 following shareholder approval, will give us an important new growth pillar and the opportunity to meet some of the most urgent eye care needs of the global aging population.”