<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001171843-17-003387.txt : 20170531
<SEC-HEADER>0001171843-17-003387.hdr.sgml : 20170531
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20170531095111
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001171843-17-003387
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	6-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20170531
FILED AS OF DATE:		20170531
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20170531

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:		17879761

	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>
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<P STYLE="font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>UNITED STATES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>FORM 6-K</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Report on Form 6-K dated May 31, 2017</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>(Commission File No. 1-15024)</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">____________________</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Novartis AG</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">(Name of Registrant)</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Lichtstrasse 35</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>4056 Basel</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Switzerland</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">____________________</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 3pt">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under
cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%">
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    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; text-align: right; font-size: 10pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>Form 20-F:&nbsp;&#9746;</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 3%; font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 47%; font-size: 10pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Form 40-F:&nbsp;&#9744;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 3pt">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):</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font-size: 10pt">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; text-align: right"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Yes:&nbsp;&#9744;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 47%"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>No</B>:&nbsp;<B>&#9746;</B></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 3pt">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):&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font-size: 10pt">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; text-align: right"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Yes:&nbsp;&#9744;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 47%"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>No</B>:&nbsp;<B>&#9746;</B></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 3pt">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.&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font-size: 10pt">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; text-align: right"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Yes:&nbsp;&#9744;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 47%"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>No</B>:&nbsp;<B>&#9746;</B></FONT></TD></TR>
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<P STYLE="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px"><B>At the Meet Novartis Management investor event, Novartis highlights focus on innovation and productivity;
expects the next growth phase to begin in 2018</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

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<UL STYLE="list-style-type: disc">

<LI STYLE="margin: 0pt 0; font-size: 10pt"><I>Building depth across key therapeutic areas with 12 potential blockbusters in late
stage development and 40 potential filings in US and EU between 2017-2020</I></LI>

<LI STYLE="margin: 0pt 0; font-size: 10pt"><I>Focused and taking steps to become stronger and more integrated through centralized
manufacturing, development and business services</I></LI>

<LI STYLE="margin: 0pt 0; font-size: 10pt"><I>Poised for next growth phase, anticipated to begin in 2018</I></LI>

</UL>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"><B>&nbsp;</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Boston, May 31, 2017</B><I>&nbsp;<B>-&nbsp;</B></I>Today Novartis holds its fourth
annual Meet Novartis Management event at its research headquarters in Cambridge, MA, giving investors and analysts the opportunity
to meet with 30 executives across its three divisions, R&amp;D functions and operations. The meeting provides a deeper view into
the company's strategy for long-term, sustainable value creation, as well as the key drivers for future performance.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&quot;We have reshaped our company to build depth in areas where we are strongest and
focus on innovation. We have a strong foundation for our next growth phase expected to start in 2018 with Cosentyx<SUP>&reg;</SUP>,
Entresto<SUP>&reg;</SUP>, and other growth drivers such as Kisqali<SUP>&reg;</SUP>, as well as leading positions in the generics
and eye care divisions&quot;, said Novartis CEO, Joseph Jimenez.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">In&nbsp;<B>Global Drug Development</B>, management provides insight into the broad, high
value late stage pipeline with depth and quality assets in each therapeutic area (for example Kisqali<SUP>&reg;</SUP>, CTL019,
BAF312, AMG 334, RTH258). These late stage assets are followed up with a strong and diverse set of emerging phase II assets from
NIBR as well as from external collaboration, including several recent deals in NASH and opthalmology. Additionally, the team is
pursuing new indications for commercialized drugs including Cosentyx<SUP>&reg;</SUP>, Entresto<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;and key oncology
assets. Management confirms filings of BAF312 and SEG101&nbsp;planned for&nbsp;2018&nbsp;and is advancing the biosimilar portfolio
with 2 recent EMA file acceptances following 2 recent CHMP positive opinions. In addition our CAR-T cell program continues to advance
in a range of hematological and solid tumors including emerging programs in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Follicular Lymphoma
(FL). Global Drug Development is focused on operational agility and productivity with the goal to invest approximately 20% of Innovative
Medicines sales in Research and Development in the near term.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">For the Innovative Medicines&nbsp;<B>Pharmaceuticals&nbsp;</B>business unit, management
highlights continued Entresto<SUP>&reg;&nbsp;</SUP>launch momentum by expanding prescriber breadth and depth, improving access
and affordability, and increasing its ex-US sales contribution. In the US, more than half of Medicare patients have no prior authorization
requirement, in addition, over half of Medicare patients have a co-pay of approximately USD 10 per month. New weekly prescriptions
and the number of US cardiologists that have prescribed Entresto<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;have both doubled since last year and global
access is improving with Entresto<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;now approved in 80 countries.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">Management also highlights the continued strong uptake of Cosentyx<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;across
its three indications and in multiple geographies, reflecting its best-in-class profile. Cosentyx<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;is the only
anti-IL17a approved in Psoriasis (PsO), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing &nbsp;Spondylitis (AS), with strong, sustained
efficacy in a majority of patients even after 4 years in PsO, 3 years in PsA, and 2 years in AS.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">Management discusses building depth in the other franchises. In neuroscience, AMG 334
(erenumab) treatment for migraine prevention was submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines
Agency (EMA), and Novartis recently reached a US co-commercialization agreement with Amgen. In ophthalmology, the RTH258 trials
for wet AMD are expected to provide further clarity in the coming weeks; the pipeline contains exciting assets including potential
treatments for dry eye and presbyopia. In respiratory, Xolair<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;and Ultibro<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;continue to
drive growth while we develop new assets in COPD, asthma and Cystic Fibrosis.</P>

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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">The Innovative Medicines<B>&nbsp;Oncology&nbsp;</B>business unit is advancing the Novartis
Immuno-oncology (IO) strategy to win with CAR-T and accelerating development of second generation combinations with PD-1. Novartis
Oncology has built one of the broadest IO pipelines in the industry with 18 assets in the clinic, and 22 (IO/IO, IO/Targeted Therapies
and IO/chemo) combination trials in clinic by the end of 2017.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">Targeted therapies are expected to continue to constitute the largest segment of the
oncology sector. Kisqali<SUP>&reg;</SUP>, a CDK4/6 inhibitor for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in combination with an
aromatase inhibitor and one of our recently-approved targeted therapies, was launched in the US in March.&nbsp; Kisqali<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;is
expected to be a key growth driver for the oncology business. Additionally, in-market products including Tafinlar<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;+
Mekinist<SUP>&reg;</SUP>, Promacta<SUP>&reg;</SUP>and Jakavi<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;are expected to continue growing strongly.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">In&nbsp;<B>Sandoz</B>, management discusses promising planned biosimilars launches and
pipeline potential, the significant 2017 US pricing pressures and the impact of the delayed Glatopa<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;40mg launch.
The impact of US pricing pressure and prior year launch timing is expected to have a higher impact on Q2 2017 sales growth than
Q1; full year 2017 Sandoz sales guidance, expected to be broadly in line with prior year, remains unchanged.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">Management also outlines the Sandoz strategy for profitable growth, both in the US and
globally. Expansion of its leading global position in biosimilars will be a key growth driver, with five major biosimilar launches
planned in the EU and US between now and 2020. Additional long-term growth is expected to come from building out the current base
business into areas such as complex generics, value-added medicines, branded generics and OTC. For example, the EMA has accepted
for regulatory review our Marketing Authorization Applications for biosimilars to AbbVie's Humira<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;(adalimumab)
and Janssen's Remicade<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;(infliximab), both of which are used to treat immunological diseases. Sandoz is seeking
approval for biosimilar adalimumab and infliximab for use in all indications of their respective reference medicines.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">In&nbsp;<B>Alcon</B>, investors and analysts are able to get more insight into the eye
care business. Alcon is the global market leader in eye care, with number one or two positions in the growing Surgical and Vision
Care markets in every region of the world. Alcon sales grew slightly in Q1 of 2017, for the first quarter in two years. Innovation
is accelerating, including recent launches of CyPass<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and the ACTIVEFOCUS<SUP>&reg;</SUP>&nbsp;IOL
for correcting both presbyopia and astigmatism. With continued innovation, investment and improved operations, Alcon expects to
return to long-term, sustainable growth with margins in line with industry peers. &nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">In closing,&nbsp;<B>Group</B>&nbsp;management reiterates the overall strategy for Novartis
value creation. Through innovation, Novartis expects to continue to build depth in key therapeutic areas while preserving flexibility
to follow the science outside those areas. Our key growth products are expected to drive the next phase of growth that is anticipated
to start in 2018. Centralizing functions like Global Drug Development, Manufacturing and Novartis Business Services is expected
to drive productivity and create a stronger company for the future. This would allow Novartis to create shareholder value. The
Novartis capital allocation strategy remains unchanged. Our priorities are first investing organically, then growing the annual
dividend in CHF, making value creating bolt-on acquisitions and finally executing share buy backs. As announced in January 2017,
Novartis is conducting a strategic review of the Alcon Division exploring all options to maximize value for our shareholders. The
review is on track and Novartis expects to provide a status update towards the end of 2017.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">For background slides and webcast (audio only) please refer to the following link:&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="color: blue">http://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar/index.shtml</FONT><BR>
The background slide decks will be available on Wednesday May 31<SUP>st</SUP>, 2017 at 7am CET.</P>



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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Disclaimer</B><BR>
This press release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as such as &quot;focus,&quot; &quot;leading
to,&quot; &quot;from 2018 onwards,&quot; &quot;building,&quot; &quot;potential,&quot; &quot;focused,&quot; &quot;taking steps,&quot;
&quot;poised,&quot; &quot;growth phase,&quot; &quot;anticipated,&quot; &quot;strategy,&quot; &quot;long-term,&quot; &quot;sustainable,&quot;
&quot;key drivers,&quot; &quot;to build,&quot; &quot;expected,&quot; &quot;growth drivers,&quot; &quot;pipeline,&quot; &quot;emerging,&quot;
&quot;pursuing,&quot; &quot;accelerated,&quot; &quot;advancing,&quot; &quot;focused,&quot; &quot;goal,&quot; &quot;in the near
term,&quot; &quot;continued,&quot; &quot;launch,&quot; &quot;momentum,&quot; &quot;improving,&quot; &quot;submitted,&quot; &quot;in
the coming weeks,&quot; &quot;exciting,&quot; &quot;continue,&quot; &quot;pipelines,&quot; &quot;launched,&quot; &quot;launches,&quot;
&quot;mid and long term,&quot; &quot;will,&quot; &quot;growth driver,&quot; &quot;planned,&quot; &quot;seeking,&quot; &quot;growing,&quot;
&quot;accelerating,&quot; &quot;expects,&quot; &quot;growth products,&quot; &quot;anticipated,&quot; &quot;for the future,&quot;
&quot;would,&quot; &quot;strategic review,&quot; &quot;exploring,&quot; &quot;options,&quot; &quot;to maximize,&quot; &quot;on
track,&quot; &quot;towards,&quot; or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new products,
potential new indications for existing products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products; potential shareholder
returns or credit ratings; or regarding the potential outcome of the announced review of options being undertaken to maximize shareholder
value of the Alcon Division; or regarding the potential financial or other impact on Novartis or any of our divisions of the significant
reorganizations of recent years, including the creation of the Pharmaceuticals and Oncology business units to form the Innovative
Medicines Division, the creation of the Global Drug Development organization and Novartis Operations (including Novartis Technical
Operations and Novartis Business Services), the transfer of the Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals products of our Alcon Division to the
Innovative Medicines Division, the transfer of selected mature, non-promoted pharmaceutical products from the Innovative Medicines
Division to the Sandoz Division, and the transactions with GSK, Lilly and CSL; or regarding the potential impact of the share buyback
plan; or regarding potential future sales or earnings of the Novartis Group or any of its divisions; or by discussions of strategy,
plans, expectations or intentions. 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 any new products will be approved for sale in any market, or that any new indications will be approved for any existing products
in any market, or that any approvals which are obtained will be obtained at any particular time, or that any such products will
achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that the review of options being undertaken to maximize shareholder
value of the Alcon Division will reach any particular results, or at any particular time.&nbsp; Neither can there be any guarantee
that Novartis will be able to realize any of the potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities as a result of the significant
reorganizations of recent years, including the creation of the Pharmaceuticals and Oncology business units to form the Innovative
Medicines Division, the creation of the Global Drug Development organization and Novartis Operations (including Novartis Technical
Operations and Novartis Business Services), the transfer of the Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals products of our Alcon Division to the
Innovative Medicines Division, the transfer of selected mature, non-promoted pharmaceutical products from the Innovative Medicines
Division to the Sandoz Division, and the transactions with GSK, Lilly and CSL. Neither can there be any guarantee that shareholders
will achieve any particular level of shareholder returns. Nor can there be any guarantee that the Group, or any of its divisions,
will be commercially successful in the future, or achieve any particular credit rating or financial results. In particular, management's
expectations could be affected by, among other things: regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the potential
that the strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected from the significant reorganizations of recent years, including
the creation of the Pharmaceuticals and Oncology business units to form the Innovative Medicines Division, the creation of the
Global Drug Development organization and Novartis Operations (including Novartis Technical Operations and Novartis Business Services),
the transfer of the Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals products of our Alcon Division to the Innovative Medicines Division, the transfer
of selected mature, non-promoted pharmaceutical products from the Innovative Medicines Division to the Sandoz Division, and the
transactions with GSK, Lilly and CSL may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the inherent uncertainties
involved in predicting shareholder returns or credit ratings; the uncertainties inherent in the research and development of new
healthcare products, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; our ability to obtain
or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection, including the ultimate extent of the impact on Novartis of the loss of
patent protection and exclusivity on key products which commenced in prior years and will continue this year; safety, quality or
manufacturing issues; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing and reimbursement pressures,
such as from increased publicity on pharmaceuticals pricing, including in certain large markets; uncertainties regarding actual
or potential legal proceedings, including, among others, actual or potential product liability litigation, litigation and investigations
regarding sales and marketing practices, intellectual property disputes and government investigations generally; general economic
and industry conditions, including uncertainties regarding the effects of the persistently weak economic and financial environment
in many countries; uncertainties regarding future global exchange rates; uncertainties regarding future demand for our products;
and uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of data security or data privacy, or disruptions of our information
technology systems; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 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 as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.</P>

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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">All product names appearing in italics are trademarks owned by or licensed to Novartis
Group Companies. Humira&reg; is a registered trademark of AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd. Remicade&reg; is marketed by MSD in Europe
and is a registered trademark of Janssen Biotech, Inc.</P>

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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"><B>About Novartis</B><BR>
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, cost-saving generic and biosimilar
pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales
of USD 48.5 billion, while R&amp;D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ
approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world.
For more information, please visit&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="color: blue">http://www.novartis.com</FONT>.</P>

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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Novartis Media Relations</B><BR>
Central media line: +41 61 324 2200<BR>
E-mail:&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="color: blue">media.relations@novartis.com</FONT></P>

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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">Eric Althoff<BR>
Novartis Global Media Relations<BR>
+41 61 324 7999 (direct)<BR>
+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)<BR>
<FONT STYLE="color: blue">eric.althoff@novartis.com</FONT></P>

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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Novartis Investor Relations</B><BR>
Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944<BR>
E-mail:&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="color: blue">investor.relations@novartis.com<BR>
</FONT></P>

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<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10pt">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Central</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">North America</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Samir Shah</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+41 61 324 7944</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Richard Pulik</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+1 212 830 2448</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Pierre-Michel Bringer</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+41 61 324 1065</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Cory Twining&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+1 212 830 2417</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Thomas Hungerbuehler&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+41 61 324 8425&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>


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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>



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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></p>     <p></P>


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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><B>SIGNATURES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">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.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; background-color: white; font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>Novartis AG</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="width: 52%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 25%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 16%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Date: May 31, 2017</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">By:</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">/s/ PAUL PENEPENT</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Name:</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Paul Penepent</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Title:</FONT></TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Head Group Financial Reporting and Accounting</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>


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end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
