Swiss drugmaker Novartis didn’t start as a single entity. It emerged from the 1996 merger of two rival pharmaceutical giants, Ciba and Sandoz. Ciba had already merged with Geigy earlier, forming Ciba-Geigy. Sandoz brought its own legacy in chemicals, agriculture, and nutrition alongside its pharmaceutical arm. The resulting company quickly became a major force in global healthcare.
Novartis builds and sells a wide range of medicines. Its portfolio includes generic drugs for common conditions. It also manufactures eye-care products and consumer health items. These are things people can buy over the counter. The company focuses heavily on prescription pharmaceuticals too. Research and development drive much of its revenue.
In 2002, Novartis took a specific step regarding medical research. It established an ethics committee. This panel evaluates studies involving human stem cells. The move addressed growing concerns about the ethical implications of such research. The committee reviews proposals to ensure they meet strict standards. This structure helps the company navigate controversial scientific territories.
