Novartis Ag - NOVN- Profile

Novartis AG. The Group's principal activity is the development and manufacture of pharmaceuticals and nutritional products. The Group operates through four divisions; Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Sandoz & Vaccines & Diagnostics. Pharmaceuticals Division includes drugs for use in transplantations, central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory diseases, dermatology, oncology, hematology and rheumatism and bone and hormone replacement therapy. Consumer Health Division includes Generics/OTC and sells copies of prescription medicines no longer under patent protection; medical nutrition and self-medication. Sandoz Division: Manufactures, distributes and sells generic pharmaceutical products and substances no longer subject to patent protection. Vaccines & Diagnostics Division provides innovative vaccines and a range of conventional products to combat viral and bacterial diseases. In 2006, the Group acquired Chiron Corporation & NeuTec Pharma plc. Pharmaceuticals accounted for 63% of 2006 revenues, Consumer Health, 18%, Sandoz, 17% & Vaccines & Diagnostics, 2%