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Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * Approvals consistent with current US treatment guidelines to start appropriate patients on combination therapies[1] * Up to 80% of patients may need multiple medications to help them reach blood pressure goals[2] * Single-pill combinations offer effective, convenient medications which could help patients reach treatment goals faster[3] * High blood pressure is one of the most important but treatable risk factors for cardiovascular disease - the world's leading cause of death[4]

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * New data show that patients on Exforge with baseline blood pressure >=180 mmHg experienced significant reductions of up to 40 mmHg to help reach target levels[1] * Significant blood pressure reductions seen with Exforge across difficult-to-treat groups such as the elderly, obese and people with diabetes[1] * High blood pressure is a leading but treatable risk factor for cardiovascular disease - the world's leading cause of death[2]

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * Male indication important as osteoporosis often neglected in men - estimated one in five men aged over 50 may suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture[1] * Positive opinion also expands once-yearly Aclasta indication to include osteoporosis patients who recently suffered a low-trauma hip fracture * EU label to include data showing 35% reduction in new fractures and 28% reduction of all-cause mortality[2] in post-hip fracture patients treated with Aclasta * Recommendation comes shortly after similar change to US label for Reclast[3][*]

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * First-half results for continuing operations led by improving Pharmaceuticals performance ahead of expectations and expansion in Vaccines and Diagnostics * Net sales rise 11% (+2% in local currencies) to USD 20.6 billion * Operating income advances 12% to USD 4.9 billion on business expansion, productivity gains and currency benefits * Net income up 13% to USD 4.6 billion; basic EPS rises 17% to USD 2.01 * Dynamic growth from new products - including Tekturna/Rasilez, Exforge, Lucentis, Exelon Patch and Aclasta/Reclast - provides USD 1.3 billion in first-half net sales * Key R&D projects on track for 2008 submissions, particularly Afinitor (RAD001) for advanced kidney cancer and Menveo ...

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * Alliance enables Novartis to rapidly scale up development and production for rich biological pipeline, which accounts for a quarter of its development portfolio * Strong Novartis R&D capabilities coupled with Lonza's leadership in process development and manufacturing, provides ideal long-term partnership

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * Novartis and Speedel have a long-standing collaboration based on financial support for Speedel creation in 1998 and development of Tekturna/Rasilez * Speedel pipeline provides access to many R&D projects targeting cardiovascular disease, including a range of direct renin inhibitors * Ownership of Speedel provides greater flexibility and speed in development of Tekturna/Rasilez and also ends royalty and manufacturing fee payments * After acquiring a 51.7% stake directly from major Speedel shareholders for CHF 130 per share in cash, Novartis now holds 61.4% of Speedel * Novartis will commence a mandatory tender offer to acquire the remaining Speedel shares at the same price

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * Strong strategic fit with Novartis thanks to Alcon's pharmaceutical, surgical and consumer eye care products businesses

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * The NITD and the TB Alliance's collaboration aims to move projects quickly from the research phase through the translational stage and into development * Both partners will leverage their broad networks of expertise and resources to rapidly bring effective, simpler treatments to patients

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * Novartis to study organ protection potential of Rasilez beyond documented ability to provide powerful blood pressure reductions that last beyond 24 hours[1],[2] * Three megatrials explore Rasilez benefits in difficult-to-treat patients with life-threatening co-morbidities - heart failure, cardiovascular events in elderly and diabetic kidney disease * Data presented at "Hypertension 2008" congress highlight impressive efficacy of Rasilez in managing high blood pressure in elderly, the fastest growing patient demographic segment with climbing healthcare costs[3],[4],[5]

Novartis International AG (NVS) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin ASA. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * Efficacy and safety profile in large randomized Phase III study consistent with landmark IRIS trial, which established Glivec as standard of care * Study did not meet primary endpoint at 1 year, yet shows faster time to molecular responses with 800 vs. 400 mg dose * Findings reinforce that monitoring blood levels of Glivec may help optimize treatment benefit for individual patients * Novartis committed to improving first-line treatment through additional study follow-up and completing enrollment to Tasigna vs. Glivec trial