Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada conducts hundreds of clinical trials across the country seeking new treatments for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, organ transplantation and glaucoma. In 2004, the Company invested over $55 million in research and development. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 860 people in Canada and its headquarters are located in Dorval, Quebec.
 

Novartis Pharmaceuticals consists of the following therapeutic areas:

Oncology
 

Novartis Oncology provides a range of innovative therapies and practical solutions for cancer patients. We market products for the treatment of a number of different cancers and for cancer complications, including advanced malignancies involving bone. Research and development in this disease area is aimed at the discovery and development of innovative approaches to the treatment of cancer. Novartis ranks as one of the largest and fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in this business segment. Key products include Gleevec to treat certain forms of life-threatening gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), while Femara is a leading treatment in certain types of breast cancer. Zometa is a novel treatment for certain cancers that have spread to the bones. Important compounds in development include PTK787, an angiogenesis inhibitor currently being studied for the treatment of colorectal cancer, and the iron chelator ICL670 for use in patients suffering from chronic iron overload.

Ophthalmics
 

We develop and market products for the treatment of a number of different ophthalmic diseases. Our research and development in this disease area is aimed at the discovery and development of innovative treatments for "Back of the Eye" diseases as well as on "Dry Eye" Conditions. Both of these areas are characterized by significant unmet medical needs. The "Back of the Eye" area encompasses several disease areas, such as wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema and retinitis pigmentosa. The key area of focus within "Back of the Eye" is "wet" AMD, a condition that occurs when leaky blood vessels grow across the central portion of the retina, or macula for unknown reasons and cause bleeding, scar formation and permanent damage, leading to vision loss. Our Ophthalmics business has built a leadership position with its flagship product Visudyne.

Transplantation & Immunology
 

Novartis is a world leader in transplantation and immunology, pioneering and revolutionizing the field of transplantation with the discovery and introduction of cyclosporine more than 20 years ago. We have one of the broadest portfolios of immunosuppressants due to our continued research and strong commitment to providing solutions to unmet medical needs for the transplant recipient. Neoral and Simulect are established products used to protect transplanted organs from rejection. Our new products Certican and Myfortic are providing more choices to transplant physicians. A novel immunomodulating agent, FTY720, is currently in Phase III for use in transplantation, and patient enrollment was completed in September 2004. With a worldwide research program, Transplantation & Immunology is committed to developing a new and innovative range of therapeutic products for the prophylaxis of organ rejection and to maintain our role as global leader in this field.