Novartis, which was created in 1996 by the merger of the Swiss companies Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, is a world leader in the research and development of products that protect and improve health and well-being.

Its core businesses are pharmaceuticals, vaccines, consumer health, generics, eye care, and animal health.

Novartis derives its name from the Latin words novae artes meaning "new skills." The term reflects the company's commitment to research and development that brings innovative new products to the communities it serves.

Novartis employs approximately 101,000 people in more than 140 countries.

Its global headquarters are located in Basel, Switzerland.