<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-14-082572.txt : 20141121
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-14-082572.hdr.sgml : 20141121
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20141121060427
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-14-082572
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	6-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20141121
FILED AS OF DATE:		20141121
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20141121

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			NOVARTIS AG
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001114448
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
		IRS NUMBER:				000000000
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			V8
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		6-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-15024
		FILM NUMBER:		141241049

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		LICHTSTRASSE 35
		CITY:			BASEL
		STATE:			V8
		ZIP:			CH 4056
		BUSINESS PHONE:		01141613241111

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		LICHTSTRASSE 35
		CITY:			BASEL
		STATE:			V8
		ZIP:			CH 4056
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>6-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a14-24927_16k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>6-K
<TEXT>


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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&nbsp;6-K</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Report on Form&nbsp;6-K dated November&nbsp;21, 2014</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(Commission File No.&nbsp;1-15024)</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Novartis AG</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Name of Registrant)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .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="margin:0in 0in .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="margin:0in 0in .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="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .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&nbsp;20-F or Form&nbsp;40-F: </font></p>
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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Form&nbsp;20-F:&nbsp;   </font></b><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">x</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Form&nbsp;40-F:&nbsp; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form&nbsp;6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule&nbsp;101(b)(1): </font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .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;">:&nbsp; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">x</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form&nbsp;6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule&nbsp;101(b)(7): </font></p>
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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Yes:&nbsp; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .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;">:&nbsp; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">x</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><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&nbsp;12g3-2(b)&nbsp;under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. </font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .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;">:&nbsp; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">x</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Novartis&nbsp;International&nbsp;AG</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"><br>   Novartis&nbsp;Global Communications<br>   CH-4002 Basel<br>   Switzerland</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">http://www.novartis.com</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MEDIA RELEASE&#160; </font></b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160; COMMUNIQUE AUX MEDIAS&#160; </font></b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#183;</font><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160; MEDIENMITTEILUNG</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Novartis Cosentyx&#153; receives positive CHMP opinion for first-line treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 31.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;"><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;">Cosentyx (secukinumab, formerly AIN457) is recommended as first-line systemic therapy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients in Europe</font></i></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 31.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 31.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;"><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;">In Phase III studies, 70% or more patients achieved clear skin (PASI 100) or almost clear skin (PASI 90) with </font></i><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">secukinumab 300 mg during the first 16 weeks of treatment</font></i><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">(1)</font></i></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 31.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 31.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;"><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;">Clinical trials consistently showed very high skin clearance, sustained efficacy and a favorable safety profile for secukinumab</font></i><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">(1)-(3)</font></i></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 31.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Basel, November&nbsp;21, 2014 &#151;</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"> Novartis announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of Cosentyx&#153; (secukinumab, formerly known as AIN457) as a first-line systemic* treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic* therapy.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This recommendation would mean doctors could use secukinumab first-line to treat their psoriasis patients, as an alternative to other first-line systemic treatments, which have significant side effects</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4)</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">. Currently, all biologic treatments for psoriasis, including anti- tumor necrosis factor therapies (anti-TNFs) and ustekinumab are recommended for second-line systemic therapy in Europe</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5)-(7)</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Secukinumab (at a dose of 300 mg) is the first interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor to be recommended as a first-line treatment option for psoriasis patients who require systemic therapy in Europe. Secukinumab works by inhibiting the action of IL-17A, a protein that is found in high concentrations in skin affected by the diseasees(8)-(13).</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;This positive CHMP opinion for secukinumab as a first-line treatment of psoriasis brings us one step closer to approval in Europe and making clear skin a reality for psoriasis patients,&#148; said David Epstein, Division Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;With this exciting news, we may change the way psoriasis is treated, as 50% of patients are unhappy with their current psoriasis therapies, demonstrating an urgent need for new treatments that clear skin faster and for a longer time.&#148;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The ultimate aim of psoriasis treatment is clear skin for patients. In clinical studies, 70% or more patients achieved clear skin (PASI 100) or almost clear skin (PASI 90) with secukinumab 300 mg during the first 16 weeks of treatment(1),(14).</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The CHMP opinion was based on the positive results of the Phase III clinical trial program in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and follows the unanimous recommendation of approval in October&nbsp;from the Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee (DODAC) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)(1)-(3),(14).</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">In these trials, secukinumab consistently demonstrated very high skin clearance, including superiority to Enbrel</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">** (etanercept) in the head-to-head FIXTURE study(1)-(3),(14). 70% or more secukinumab 300 mg patients achieved clear skin (PASI 100) or almost clear skin (PASI 90) during the first 16 weeks of treatment in the FIXTURE and ERASURE studies; this was maintained in the majority of patients up to Week 52 (with continued treatment)(1)-(3),(14). Secukinumab patients in the FIXTURE, ERASURE, FEATURE and JUNCTURE studies (reviewed by the US FDA) also observed significant differences as early as Week 2 and on average, secukinumab 300 mg patients had symptoms reduced by 50% by Week 3, compared to Week 7 for Enbrel</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">** (etanercept) patients, in FIXTURE(1)-(3),(14). Secukinumab demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with similar incidence and severity of adverse events between secukinumab treatment arms (300 mg and 150 mg)(1)-(3),(14).</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The European Commission reviews the recommendations of the CHMP. The final decision on approval, usually granted in approximately two months of the CHMP opinion, will be applicable to all European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Psoriasis</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by thick and extensive skin lesions, called plaques, known to cause itching, scaling and pain; it is associated with significant impairment of physical and psychological quality of life(15)-(17). Psoriasis affects up to 3% of the world&#146;s population, or more than 125 million people(18). In Europe, the estimate is about 0.8%, which means that plaque psoriasis affects about 3.7 million Europeans, with about 2.4 million considered to have moderate-to-severe disease(19).</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This common and distressing condition is not simply a cosmetic problem &#151; even people with very mild symptoms are affected everyday(15). Furthermore, there is an urgent need for new psoriasis treatments, as up to 50% of patients are not content with current therapies, including biologic treatments(15),(20)-(22).</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Cosentyx&#153; (secukinumab) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Secukinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes IL-17A(8),(9). IL-17A is found in high concentrations in skin affected by psoriasis and is a preferred target for investigational therapies(8)-(13).</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Phase IIIb studies in psoriasis are also ongoing, including the head-to-head CLEAR study of secukinumab versus Stelara</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;in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and studies in palmo-plantar psoriasis, nail psoriasis and palmo-plantar pustulosis.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Secukinumab is also in Phase III development for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS); regulatory applications for secukinumab in these arthritic conditions are planned for 2015.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Disclaimer</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .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 words such as &#147;positive opinion,&#148; &#147;recommended,&#148; &#147;recommending,&#148; &#147;would,&#148; &#147;could,&#148; &#147;may,&#148; &#147;aim,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;investigational,&#148; &#147;ongoing,&#148; &#147;planned,&#148; or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing authorizations for Cosentyx, or regarding potential future revenues from Cosentyx. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Cosentyx will be submitted in AS or PsA in any market, or approved for any indication, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">that Cosentyx will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management&#146;s expectations regarding Cosentyx could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including unexpected clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company&#146;s ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing pressures; unexpected manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG&#146;s current Form&nbsp;20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. 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>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Novartis</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&amp;D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 133,000 full-time-equivalent associates and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">*</font></i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Systemic: treatments or medication absorbed into the blood stream, allowing them to be carried where they are needed to work</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">**Enbrel</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;is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">***Stelara</font><font size="1" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">is a registered trademark of Janssen Biotech,&nbsp;Inc.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">References</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Langley RG, Elewski BE, Lebwohl M, et al. Secukinumab in plaque psoriasis: results of two phase three trials.<i> N Engl J Med</i>. 2014. Jul 9;371(4):326-38..</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Blauvelt A, Prinz J, Gottlieb AB, et al. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Secukinumab Administration by Pre-filled Syringe: Efficacy, Safety, and Usability Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Psoriasis (FEATURE). <i>Br J Dermatol</i>. 2014; [published online ahead of print August&nbsp;16, 2014].</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(3)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Paul C, Lacour JP, Tedremets L, et al. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Efficacy, safety, and usability of secukinumab administration by autoinjector/pen in psoriasis: a randomized, controlled trial (JUNCTURE). <i>J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol</i>. 2014; [published online ahead of print September&nbsp;22, 2014].</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(4)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Mohanan S, Ramassamy S, Chandrashekar L et al. A retrospective analysis of combination methotrexate&#151;cyclosporine therapy in moderate&#151;severe psoriasis. <i>Journal of Dermatological Treatment</i>, 2014; 25: 50&#151;53.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(5)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">European Medicines agency website, &#147;Enbrel Summary of Product Characteristics&#148; http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_Product_Information/human/000262/WC500027361.pdf. Accessed November&nbsp;2014.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(6)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">European Medicines agency website, &#147;Humira Summary of Product Characteristics&#148; http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_Product_Information/human/000481/WC500050870.pdf. Accessed November&nbsp;2014.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(7)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">European Medicines agency website, &#147;Stelara Summary of Product Characteristics&#148; http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_Product_Information/human/000958/WC500058513.pdf. Accessed November&nbsp;2014.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(8)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Gaffen SL. Structure and signaling in the IL-17 receptor family. <i>Nat Rev Immunol</i>. 2009;9(8):556-67.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(9)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ivanov S, Linden A. Interleukin-17 as a drug target in human disease. <i>Trends Pharmacol Sci</i>. 2009;30(2):95-103.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(10)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Kopf M, Bachmann MF, Marsland BJ. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Averting inflammation by targeting the cytokine environment. <i>Nat Rev Drug Discov</i>. 2010; 9(9):703-18.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(11)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Onishi RM, Gaffen SL. Interleukin-17 and its target genes: mechanisms of interleukin-17 function in disease. <i>Immunology</i>. 2010;129(3):311-21.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(12)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Krueger J, Fretzin S, Su&#225;rez-Fari&#241;as M, et al. IL-17A is essential for cell activation and inflammatory gene circuits in subjects with psoriasis. <i>J Allergy Clin Immunol</i>. 2012;130(1):145-154.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(13)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Johansen C, Usher PA, Kjellerup RB, et al. Characterization of the interleukin-17 isoforms and receptors in lesional psoriatic skin. <i>Brit J Dermatol</i>. 2009;160(2):319-24.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(14)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis data on file. 2013: Clinical study reports for CAIN457A2302 [ERASURE] ; CAIN457A2303 [FIXTURE] ; CAIN457A2304 [SCULPTURE] ; CAIN457A2307 [JUNCTURE] ; CAIN457A2308 [FEATURE].</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(15)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Stern RS, Nijsten T, Feldman S, et al. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Psoriasis Is Common, Carries a Substantial Burden Even When Not Extensive, and Is Associated with Widespread Treatment Dissatisfaction. </font><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">J Investig Dermatol Symp</font></i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">. 2004;9(2):136-9.Nestle FO, Kaplan DH, Barker J. Psoriasis. </font><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">N Engl J Med</font></i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">. 2009; 361(5):496-509.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(16)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Rapp SR, Feldman SR, Exum ML, Fleischer AB,&nbsp;Jr., Reboussin DM. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Psoriasis causes as much disability as other major medical diseases. <i>J Am Acad Dermatol</i>. 1999; 41(3 Pt 1):401-7.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(17)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Farley E et al. Psoriasis: comorbidities and associations. </font><i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">G Ital Dermatol Venereol</font></i><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">. 2011 Feb;146(1):9-15.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(18)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) World Psoriasis Day website. &#147;About Psoriasis.&#148; http://www.worldpsoriasisday.com/web/page.aspx?refid=114. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Accessed February&nbsp;2014.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(19)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) website. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;Psoriais.&#148; http://www.efpia.eu/diseases/134/59/Psoriasis. Accessed September&nbsp;2014.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(20)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Christophers E, Griffiths CEM, Gaitanis G, et al. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The unmet treatment need for moderate to severe psoriasis: results of a survey and chart review. <i>J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol</i>. 2006;20:921-925.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(21)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Krueger JG, Koo J, Lebwohl M, et al. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The impact of psoriasis on quality of life: Results for a 1998 National Psoriasis Foundation patient membership survey. <i>Arch Derm</i>. 2001;137:280-284.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(22)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Sterry W, Barker J, Boehncke WH, et al. Biological therapies in the systemic management of psoriasis: International Consensus Conference. <i>Br J Dermatol</i>. 2004;151 Suppl 69:3-17.</font></p>
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<td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .5pt 0in .5pt;width:49.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Eric Althoff</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis Global Media Relations</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 7999 (direct)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 79 593   4202 (mobile)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">eric.althoff@novartis.com</font></p>    </td>
<td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .5pt 0in .5pt;width:50.24%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Bhavin Vaid</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Novartis Global Pharma Communications</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 8175 (direct)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 79 792 7510 (mobile)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">bhavin.vaid@novartis.com</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">e-mail: media.relations@novartis.com</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Novartis<br><br></font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">For questions about the site or required registration, please contact: journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .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="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
<tr>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .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="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 7944</font></p>    </td>
<td width="18%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.58%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Samir Shah</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 7944</font></p>    </td>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.58%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .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="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pierre-Michel Bringer</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 1065</font></p>    </td>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.58%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Stephen Rubino</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+1 862 </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">778 8301</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Thomas Hungerbuehler</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 8425</font></p>    </td>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.58%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Susan Donofrio</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+1 862 778 9257</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Isabella Zinck</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">+41 61 324 7188</font></p>    </td>
<td width="18%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.58%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="18%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="18%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.58%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="31%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:31.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="49%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.76%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">e-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com</font></p>    </td>
<td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.24%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">e-mail:   investor.relations@novartis.com</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
</div>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4<a name="PB_4_015306_2897"></a></font></p>
<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>
</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">
<div>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .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="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><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 style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .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="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="50%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .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%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="50%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="50%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="5%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:5.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date:</font></p>    </td>
<td width="44%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.34%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">November&nbsp;21,   2014</font></p>    </td>
<td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.92%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>    </td>
<td width="46%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:46.08%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ MALCOLM B. CHEETHAM</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="50%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="6%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:6.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Name:</font></p>    </td>
<td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:43.34%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Malcolm   B. Cheetham</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="6%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:6.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Title:</font></p>    </td>
<td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:43.34%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Head   Group Financial</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr>
<td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="6%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:6.66%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="43%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:43.34%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Reporting   and Accounting</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
<tr height="0">
<td width="42" style="border:none;"></td>
<td width="332" style="border:none;"></td>
<td width="29" style="border:none;"></td>
<td width="20" style="border:none;"></td>
<td width="324" style="border:none;"></td>   </tr> </table>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5<a name="PB_5_223426_3020"></a></font></p>
<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>
</div>
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end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
