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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-09-064254.txt : 20091112
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-09-064254.hdr.sgml : 20091111
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20091112075523
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-09-064254
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	6-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20091112
FILED AS OF DATE:		20091112
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20091112

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			NOVARTIS AG
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001114448
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
		IRS NUMBER:				000000000
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		6-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-15024
		FILM NUMBER:		091174063

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		LICHSTRASSE 35
		CITY:			BASEL SWITZERLAND
		STATE:			V8
		ZIP:			CH 4056

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		LICHSTRASSE 35
		CITY:			BASEL SWITZERLAND
		ZIP:			CH 4056
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>6-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a09-33480_16k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>6-K
<TEXT>

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<div style="border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-right:none;border-top:solid windowtext 3.0pt;padding:1.0pt 0pt 1.0pt 0pt;">

<p style="border:none;color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;padding:0pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

</div>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-indent:72.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;">SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;">FORM
6-K</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Report on Form 6-K dated November 12, 2009</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(Commission File No. </font></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1-15024)</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="center"></div>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;">Novartis
AG</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">(Name of Registrant)</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Lichtstrasse 35</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">4056 Basel</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Switzerland</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="center"></div>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under
cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.16%;">
  <p align="right" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Form 20-F: </font></b><b><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">x</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:3.34%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Form
  40-F: </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Indicate by check
mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.16%;">
  <p align="right" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Yes: </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:3.34%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">No</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">:<b>  </b></font><b><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">x</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Indicate by check
mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.16%;">
  <p align="right" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Yes: </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:3.34%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">No</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">:<b>  </b></font><b><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">x</font></b></p>
  </td>
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<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Indicate by check
mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this
form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule
12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.16%;">
  <p align="right" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Yes: </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:3.34%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">No</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">:<b>  </b></font><b><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">x</font></b></p>
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</table>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="border-bottom:solid windowtext 3.0pt;border-left:none;border-right:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:1.0pt 0pt 1.0pt 0pt;">

<p style="border:none;color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;padding:0pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

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<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

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<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
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  <td width="69%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:69.16%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"><img width="187" height="41" src="g334801bai001.jpg"></font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="30%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:30.84%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Novartis International AG</font></b></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis Global Communications</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">CH-4002 Basel</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Switzerland</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">http://www.novartis.com</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;line-height:normal;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">-
Investor Relations Release -</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;line-height:normal;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 5.4pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Novartis launches Prevacid</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:bold;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">24HR
over-the-counter for full 24-hour frequent heartburn treatment</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">Prevacid</font></i><i><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">24HR
prevents acid production that causes frequent heartburn pain for a full 24
hours with one pill a day</font></i></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">Prevacid</font></i><i><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">24HR
provides America&#146;s 50 million frequent heartburn sufferers(1) with convenient
and easy accessibility to this effective heartburn treatment</font></i></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">First
new over-the-counter treatment for frequent heartburn sufferers in six years</font></i></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Basel, November 12, 2009</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"> &#151; Novartis announced the
availability of Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR
(lansoprazole delayed-release capsules 15 mg/acid reducer) over-the-counter in
pharmacies and retail stores across the US to treat frequent heartburn.
Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR received
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in May 2009. It is the first and
only over-the-counter (OTC) Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of
frequent heartburn in its original formulation.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;It is well known that
Americans are taking more ownership of their health-care decisions. The launch
of Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR for the
treatment of frequent heartburn is a milestone in the over-the-counter medicine
category, expanding the treatment
choices for the millions of adults who suffer from frequent heartburn,&#148;
said Dirk Van de Put, Global Head, Over the Counter Business Unit, Novartis
Consumer Health. &#147;We&#146;re looking forward to providing frequent heartburn
sufferers with broad access to this very effective treatment and expect the
launch to drive strong incremental
growth for the OTC Digestive Health category.&#148;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Prevacid&#174;
(lansoprazole)2 was one of the most prescribed acid reducer brands in the US
over the last decade3 based on IMS Data. The same medicine in Prevacid is now
available over-the-counter in Prevacid&#174;24HR for the treatment of frequent
heartburn. Frequent heartburn is defined as heartburn that occurs two or more
days per week.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Prevacid&#174;24HR
is clinically proven to work for a full 24 hours, both day and night. It is the
only PPI approved for OTC treatment of frequent heartburn that contains the
active ingredient lansoprazole. Starting today, Prevacid&#174;24HR is expected to be
available in more than 100,000 pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets, mass
merchandisers and other retail locations throughout the US.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Prevacid</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:bold;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">24HR is clinically proven to treat frequent heartburn</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Prevacid&#174;24HR prevents acid
production that causes frequent heartburn pain for a full 24 hours, with one
pill a day. Clinical study data shows that Prevacid&#174;24HR provides frequent
heartburn sufferers more heartburn-free days and nights than placebo4,5.
Prevacid&#174;24HR starts working early to treat frequent heartburn and maintains
its effectiveness for the full 14-day course of </font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

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<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">treatment. In two clinical
trials, 88% of people who used Prevacid&#174;24HR for frequent heartburn were
satisfied6.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">In addition to
Prevacid&#174;24HR, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. has demonstrated success with
switching other prescription products over the counter, enabling more consumers
to get access to the medicines they need, while continuing to build the brands.
Three of the company&#146;s biggest and most successful global switches come from
the Pharmaceuticals Division of Novartis AG &#151; Voltaren&#174;, Lamisil&#174; and
Nicotinell&#174; and account for 30 percent of Novartis Consumer Health global
sales.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Frequent
heartburn significantly affects sufferers&#146; quality of life</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">While frequent heartburn is
a common condition, its impact on sufferers may be under-estimated. According
to the <i>Experience of Frequent Heartburn in
America, 2009</i></font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(7),</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"> a national
study of 1,075 frequent heartburn sufferers conducted by the Center for Health
Outcomes Research &amp; Evidence Based Medicine, LLC and United BioSource
Corporation, frequent heartburn is not only painful, but can also significantly
impact sufferers&#146; quality of life. The study, conducted in consultation with
leading physicians and gastroenterologists, was designed to measure and
validate the quality of life impact that frequent heartburn currently can have
on sufferers. It found that frequent heartburn can affect sufferers&#146; ability to
get a good night&#146;s sleep, be productive at work, have positive personal
relationships and enjoy social activities. The study also showed that those
with more severe frequent heartburn pain can experience a greater impact on
their quality of life.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;Until now, frequent heartburn has been largely misunderstood
in America.&#160; The data from this study
confirms </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">how frequent heartburn affects my patients&#146; daily lives &#151; it can
interrupt sufferers&#146; work, social activities and a full night&#146;s sleep,&#148; said Dr.
Brian Fennerty, practicing gastroenterologist and professor of Medicine in the
Division of Gastroenterology at Oregon Health &amp; Science University in
Portland, Oregon. &#147;The over-the-counter availability of a proven molecule like
lansoprazole provides choice and options to the millions of frequent heartburn
sufferers and empowers them to treat their symptoms.&#148;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The study, which was funded
by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. revealed that(7):</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">About 75% of frequent heartburn sufferers
experienced some sleep problems as a result of their heartburn &#151; either
problems falling asleep or staying asleep.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Living with frequent heartburn pain can
affect personal relationships, including social activities with family and
friends, quality time with children and spouses, and even sexual relationships.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">For 52% of sufferers, discomfort from
frequent heartburn has some impact on their work, including their ability to
focus in meetings and their overall ability to be productive.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The study also found that
reducing the frequency and severity of frequent heartburn pain could result in
significant improvements in a sufferer&#146;s mood, relationships with family,
productivity at work, diet and enjoyment of social activities(7). Additional
results of the study are available at www.Prevacid24HR.com.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">As
part of the launch of Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR, Novartis Consumer Health is partnering with Dr.
Fennerty and MSN.com Lifestyle Expert Kelley Moore to educate the public about
frequent heartburn and</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">  </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">motivate them to take action. Through the
Heartburn Action Plan, Dr. Fennerty and Ms. Moore will share treatment options
and lifestyle tips that will help empower frequent heartburn sufferers to treat
their symptoms. Log on to www.HeartburnActionPlan.com for more information.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Frequent Heartburn</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">More than 50 million American adults suffer
from frequent heartburn,(1) which is defined as heartburn occurring two or more
days per week. Frequent heartburn is a result of the backing up of stomach acid
into the esophagus. Typically the lower esophageal sphincter muscle opens to
allow food to pass, but then quickly closes. However, in frequent heartburn
sufferers, the muscle </font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

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<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">relaxes and allows food and acid from the
stomach to travel back up into the esophagus. As a result, sufferers often have
a burning sensation in the chest and/or throat, a sour or bitter taste in the
mouth, difficulty swallowing, chronic coughing and wheezing or other asthma-like
symptoms. These symptoms of frequent heartburn can become worse when one is
lying down or bending over.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Prevacid</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:bold;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">24HR</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR is now
available over-the-counter to treat frequent heartburn for a full 24 hours with
one pill a day. It received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in May
2009. It is the first and only over-the-counter PPI for the treatment of
frequent heartburn in its original formulation.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR is clinically proven to
work for a full 24 hours, both day and night. Although some people get complete
relief of symptoms within 24 hours, it may take one to four days for full
effect. Consumers should use Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR as directed for 14 days to treat their frequent
heartburn and may take one 14-day course of treatment every four months, or as
directed by their doctor. If their heartburn continues or worsens, they should
stop use and ask a doctor.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR is expected to be
available in more than 100,000 retail store locations nationwide, starting at
an average retail price of $11.99.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">For
more information about Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24HR, including instructions for use, visit
www.Prevacid24HR.com.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Disclaimer</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The
foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by
terminology such as &#147;look forward to,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;expected,&#148; &#147;can,&#148; &#147;could,&#148; &#147;will,&#148;
&#147;may,&#148; or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding
the potential date on which Prevacid&#174;24HR will be available for sale
over-the-counter, the extent of the distribution of Prevacid&#174;24HR, or regarding
potential future revenues from Prevacid&#174;24HR. You should not place undue
reliance on these statements.&#160; Such
forward-looking statements reflect the current views of management regarding future
events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause actual results with Prevacid&#174;24HR to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such statements. There can be no guarantee that Prevacid&#174;24HR will be available
for sale over-the-counter on any particular date. Nor can there be any
guarantee regarding the extent of the distribution of Prevacid&#174;24HR, or that
Prevacid&#174;24HR will achieve any particular levels of revenue in the future. In
particular, management&#146;s expectations regarding Prevacid&#174;24HR could be affected
by, among other things, unexpected difficulties in manufacturing or
distribution; competition in general; government, industry and general public
pricing pressures; unexpected regulatory actions or government regulation
generally; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values
attributed to the Novartis Group&#146;s assets and liabilities as recorded in the
Group&#146;s consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in
Novartis AG&#146;s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange
Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or
should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary
materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is
providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not
undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in
this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4</font></p>

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<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Novartis</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis provides healthcare
solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused
solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet
these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals,
preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is
the only company with leading positions in each of these areas. In 2008, the
Group&#146;s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net
income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in
R&amp;D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland,
Novartis Group companies employ approximately 99,000 full-time-equivalent
associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more
information, </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">please
visit http://www.novartis.com</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;"># # #</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="left"></div>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">References</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1) National Heartburn Alliance:
http://www.heartburnalliance.org/ heartburn_assessment.php</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-size:10.0pt;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2) Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font>&#160;is a registered trademark of Takeda
Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda
Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.</p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(3) Based on IMS Data of the
total number of Prevacid</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#160;prescriptions from 1998 &#151; 2008</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(4)
Peura, DA et al. <i>Aliment Pharamcol Ther</i>.
2009; 30:459-468</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(5)
Kushner PR, et al. <i>Postgrad Med</i>.2009;
121(4):67-75</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt 36.0pt;text-indent:-36.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(6) Novartis Consumer Health,
Inc. Data on file.</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(7) &#147;The Experience of
Frequent Heartburn in America, 2009&#148; Research conducted by the Center for
Health Outcomes Research &amp; Evidence Based Medicine, LLC and United
BioSource Corporation</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis Media Relations</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

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  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Central media line :</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"> +41 61 324 2200</font></p>
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  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
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  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Eric
  Althoff</font></b></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis Global Media Relations</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 7999 (direct)</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">eric.althoff@novartis.com</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Julie Masow</font></b></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+1 </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">973 503 7663<b>  </b>(direct)</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+1 862 579 8456
  (mobile)</font></p>
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">julie.masow@novartis.com</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">e-mail: media.relations@novartis.com</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Novartis Investor Relations</font></b></p>

<p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="23%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:23.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Central phone:</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:24.66%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 7944</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="19%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:19.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="31%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:31.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="23%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:23.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ruth Metzler-Arnold</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:24.66%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 9980</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="19%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:19.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">North America:</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="31%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:31.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="23%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:23.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pierre-Michel Bringer</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:24.66%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 1065</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="19%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:19.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Richard Jarvis</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="31%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:31.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+1 212 830 2433</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="23%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:23.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">John Gilardi</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:24.66%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 3018</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="19%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:19.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Jill Pozarek</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="31%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:31.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+1 212 830 2445</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="23%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:23.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Thomas Hungerbuehler</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:24.66%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 8425</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="19%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:19.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Edwin Valeriano</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="31%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:31.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+1 212 830 2456</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="23%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:23.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Isabella Zinck</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:24.66%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 7188</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="19%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:19.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="31%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:31.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="23%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:23.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:24.66%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="19%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:19.92%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="31%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:31.5%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">e-mail:
  investor.relations@novartis.com</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="51%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:51.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">e-mail:
  investor.relations@novartis.com</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5</font></p>

<div style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>

</div>
<!-- SEQ.=1,FOLIO='5',FILE='C:\JMS\kgiri\09-33480-1\task3799151\33480-1-ba.htm',USER='105348',CD='Nov 12 16:18 2009' -->


<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Novartis
  AG</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:6.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:43.58%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:6.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:43.58%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date:&nbsp; November 12, 2009</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:6.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:43.58%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/
  MALCOLM B. CHEETHAM</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:6.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:43.58%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:6.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Name:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:43.58%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Malcolm
  B. Cheetham</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:6.42%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Title:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:43.58%;">
  <p style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Head
  Group Financial</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:50.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:6.42%;">
  <p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;width:43.58%;">
  <p align="left" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Reporting and
  Accounting</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">6</font></p>

<div style="color:windowtext;margin:0pt 0pt .0001pt;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>

</div>
<!-- SEQ.=1,FOLIO='6',FILE='C:\JMS\kgiri\09-33480-1\task3799151\33480-1-ba.htm',USER='105348',CD='Nov 12 16:18 2009' -->


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`
end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
