Novartis

Ciba started producing dyes in 1859.

Sandoz, a chemical company, was founded in Basel in 1886.

Sandoz started its operations in 1917, producing chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

In 1938, Geigy, a company initially dealing in chemicals and dyes, expanded its range of products to include fabrics and established the Pharma Division.

In 1970, Geigy President Louis von Planta and Ciba President Robert Kappeli agreed to merge their companies, forming CIBA-Geigy.

Novartis was founded on February 29, 1996, through the merger of two major Swiss drug companies, Ciba-Geigy AG and Sandoz AG. It is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

On March 7th, 1996, the merger of Sandoz and Ciba-Geigy took place, forming Novartis, which became one of the leading healthcare companies globally.

On 3rd February 1997, the new logo of Novartis was being installed on the building at the St. Johann site in Basel.

On May 11, 2000, Novartis participates in the NYSE flotation by ringing the bell on Wall Street.

In 2002, Novartis strengthens its global research network by founding the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

In 2003, Novartis expanded its medical nutrition and antiviral medicines unit by acquiring Mead Johnson and Idenix Pharmaceuticals, showcasing its growth in healthcare.

Novartis fought a controversial battle to patent Gleevec in India, which was rejected by the Indian Supreme Court in 2005.

In 2006, Novartis acquired Chiron Corporation, integrating its units into Novartis Pharmaceuticals and establishing Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics division.

In 2009, Novartis agreed to acquire an 85 percent stake in the Chinese vaccines company Zhejiang Tianyuan Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to strengthen its presence in the vaccines market in China.

On 17 May 2010, a jury awarded compensatory damages against Novartis for sexual discrimination against female employees.

In 2011, Novartis acquired the medical laboratory diagnostics company Genoptix to serve as a strong foundation for their individualized treatment programs.

In 2012, Novartis became the biggest manufacturer of generic skin care medicine by acquiring Fougera Pharmaceuticals for $1.525 billion in cash.

In April 2013, federal prosecutors filed two lawsuits against Novartis under the False Claims Act for off-label marketing and kickbacks, seeking treble damages.

In January 2014, Novartis announced plans to cut 500 jobs from its pharmaceuticals division.

In February 2014, Novartis acquired CoStim Pharmaceuticals.

In April 2014, Novartis announced the acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline's cancer drug business for $16 billion.

In May 2014, Novartis purchased the rights to market Ophthotech's Fovista outside the U.S. for up to $1 billion.

In August 2014, Novartis acquired a 15 percent stake in Gamida Cell for $35 million, with the option to purchase the whole company for approximately $165 million.

In October 2014, Novartis announced its intention to sell its influenza vaccine business to CSL for $275 million.

In March 2015, Novartis announced the completion of its acquisition of two Phase III cancer-drug candidates from BioPharma.

In November 2016, Novartis announced the acquisition of Selexys Pharmaceuticals for $665 million.

In late October 2017, Novartis acquired Advanced Accelerator Applications for $3.9 billion.

In January 2018, Novartis came under investigation for allegedly bribing Greek public officials, including high-ranking politicians and bankers.

In March 2018, GlaxoSmithKline announced the acquisition of Novartis' stake in their Consumer Healthcare Joint Venture for $13 billion.

In April 2018, Novartis acquired Avexis for $8.7 billion, gaining the lead compound AVXS-101 used to treat spinal muscular atrophy.

In May 2018, it was disclosed that Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, had paid nearly $1.2 million to Essential Consultants LLC for understanding the healthcare policy of the new administration, despite not receiving any tangible benefits.

On April 9, 2019, Alcon, the eye care division of Novartis, became a separately traded standalone company. This move allowed Novartis to focus more on its Innovative Medicines and generic medicines divisions.

In June 2019, AveXis, a Novartis company, disclosed inaccurate data submitted to the FDA, raising concerns about data manipulation.

In April 2020, Novartis announced the acquisition of Amblyotech.

In July 2020, Novartis agreed to pay $678 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.

In October 2020, Novartis bought 6% of all shares outstanding in Swiss DARPin research company Molecular Partners AG as part of a joint venture to develop therapeutic drugs to combat COVID-19.

Fifteen thematic articles outlining Novartis' diverse innovations, ranging from early hormone preparations to graphic design and revolutionary drugs like Sandimmune and Gleevec, as well as the Novartis Campus project.

Novartis has a pipeline of upcoming products that are in various stages of development.

In September 2021, Novartis announced the acquisition of gene-therapy business, Arctos Medical, broadening its optogenetics range.

In November 2023, Legend Biotech and Novartis signed an out-license deal to develop and manufacture Legend's chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) therapies for $100 million upfront.

In February 2024, Novartis announced the acquisition of the German biotech firm MorphoSys AG for €2.7 billion.