<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001171843-17-005971.txt : 20171010
<SEC-HEADER>0001171843-17-005971.hdr.sgml : 20171010
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20171010060100
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001171843-17-005971
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	6-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20170904
FILED AS OF DATE:		20171010
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20171010

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:		171128422

	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
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<TYPE>6-K
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<DESCRIPTION>FORM 6-K
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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 September 4, 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%">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <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>
</TABLE>


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<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: left">
    <TD STYLE="width: 33%"><IMG SRC="logo.jpg" ALT=""></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 34%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 33%"><P STYLE="color: #0460A9; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; margin: 0pt 0">Novartis&nbsp;International&nbsp;AG<BR>
Novartis&nbsp;Global Communications<BR>
<FONT STYLE="font-weight: normal; color: windowtext">CH-4002 Basel</FONT><BR>
<FONT STYLE="font-weight: normal; color: windowtext">Switzerland</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="color: #0460A9; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

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



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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>MEDIA RELEASE &bull; COMMUNIQUE
AUX MEDIAS &bull; MEDIENMITTEILUNG</B></FONT></P>

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



<P STYLE="text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12pt"><B>Novartis announces CEO Joseph Jimenez to retire from Novartis
in 2018.</B></FONT></P>

<P STYLE="margin: 0pt 0"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12pt"><B>Vasant Narasimhan appointed CEO, effective February 1, 2018.</B></FONT></P>



<P STYLE="text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12pt"><B></B></FONT></P>

<P STYLE="text-align: left"></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 22.7pt 0pt 0pt"><B>Basel, September 4, 2017 &ndash;</B> Joseph Jimenez, Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Novartis, has informed the Board of Directors of his desire to step down as CEO in 2018, after eight years in
position. The Board of Directors has appointed Vasant (Vas) Narasimhan, M.D., Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical
Officer, as CEO of Novartis, effective February 1, 2018. Dr. Narasimhan is a member of the Executive Committee and joined Novartis
in 2005.</P>

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 26pt 0pt 0pt">Mr. Jimenez, who has been CEO since 2010, joined the company in 2007.
He first led the Consumer Health Division, and then held the position of Division Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Jimenez will
step down as CEO, effective January 31, 2018, and will be available for advice and support at the request of the Chairman of the
Board of Directors or the CEO until he retires from Novartis on August 31, 2018.</P>

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 22.7pt 0pt 0pt">Joerg Reinhardt, Chairman of the Novartis Board of Directors, commented,
&ldquo;I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Joe&rsquo;s achievements as CEO. During his tenure, Joe focused Novartis
on leading global businesses, while divesting non-core divisions. Under his leadership the innovation pipeline was rejuvenated,
and we successfully navigated the patent expirations of our two largest products. We anticipate a smooth transition as Joe built
a strong leadership team and mentored his successor. Novartis will be well positioned to continue its momentum.&rdquo;</P>

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 23.1pt 0pt 0pt">Mr. Jimenez said, &ldquo;Both from a professional and a personal perspective,
this is the right moment to hand the leadership reins of the company to Vas. Our strong pipeline and the strategic moves we have
taken to focus the company have put Novartis on a strong path for the future. On the personal side, after 10 wonderful years in
Switzerland, my family is ready to return to Silicon Valley and the US. I&rsquo;m confident that Vas will be an excellent successor.&rdquo;</P>

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 26pt 0pt 0pt">Dr. Narasimhan has held numerous leadership positions across Novartis
in commercial, drug development and strategy roles. Prior to his current role he served as Head of Development for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Before joining Novartis in 2005, he worked at McKinsey &amp; Company. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School
in the US and obtained a master&rsquo;s degree in public policy from Harvard&rsquo;s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In addition,
he holds a bachelor&rsquo;s degree in biological sciences from the University of Chicago, also in the US. During and after his
medical studies, he worked extensively on a range of health issues in developing countries. Dr. Narasimhan is an elected member
of the US National Academy of Medicine. He is a US citizen born in 1976, married with 2 children, and lives in Basel, Switzerland.</P>

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 21.45pt 0pt 0pt">Mr. Reinhardt added, &ldquo;The strength of Novartis is our ability
to drive science-based innovation. Vas is deeply anchored in medical science, has significant experience in managing the
interfaces between Research and Development and commercial units and has strong business acumen with a track record of
outstanding achievements. As a physician, he has a strong patient focus and a genuine humane perspective and care for the
mission and values of Novartis. As a result, the Board of Directors is confident that Vas is the right choice to lead
Novartis on our expected next growth phase, driving innovation and further strengthening our competitive position.&rdquo;</P>



<P></P>

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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 6pt 0pt 0pt">Dr. Narasimhan said, &ldquo;I would like to congratulate Joe and express
my gratitude to Joe, Joerg, and the Board of Directors. I feel honored and humbled to be asked to lead Novartis. We will continue
our legacy of bringing leading innovation to patients around the world. With our recent launches, our strong pipeline, broad capabilities,
world-class leadership team, and committed people, I am very confident about our future.&rdquo;</P>

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

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 6.05pt 0pt 0pt">This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by
words such as &ldquo;to retire,&rdquo; &ldquo;effective,&rdquo; &ldquo;will,&rdquo; &ldquo;pipeline,&rdquo; &ldquo;anticipate,&rdquo;
&ldquo;well positioned,&rdquo; strategic,&rdquo; &ldquo;future,&rdquo; &ldquo;confident,&rdquo; &ldquo;next growth phase,&rdquo;
&ldquo;driving,&rdquo; &ldquo;strengthening,&rdquo; &ldquo;launches,&rdquo; &ldquo;committed,&rdquo; or similar expressions, or
by express or implied discussions regarding potential potential future sales or earnings of the Novartis Group. You should not
place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward looking statements are based on our the current beliefs and expectations
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 Novartis will be commercially successful in the future,
or achieve any particular financial results. In particular, our 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 may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the uncertainties
inherent in the research and development of new healthcare products; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual
property protection on key products; safety, quality or manufacturing issues; global trends toward health care cost containment,
including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures; uncertainties regarding actual or potential
legal proceedings; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG&rsquo;s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities
and Exchange Commission.</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 6.05pt 0pt 0pt">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.</P>

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

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 6pt 0pt 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, 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 119,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis
products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit <FONT STYLE="color: #045FA9">http://www.novartis.com</FONT>.</P>

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 51.4pt 0pt 0pt">For a portrait of Dr. Narasimhan, please visit https://www.novartis.com/news/media-
library/vasant-vas-narasimhan-md</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 0pt">Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at <FONT STYLE="color: #045FA9">http://twitter.com/novartis</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 0pt">For Novartis multimedia content, please visit <FONT STYLE="color: #045FA9">www.novartis.com/news/media-library</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 0pt">For questions about the site or required registration, please contact <FONT STYLE="color: #045FA9">media.relations@novartis.com</FONT></P>

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

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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 18.8pt"># # #</P>



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

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 0pt">Novartis Media Relations</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 248.65pt 0pt 0pt">Central media line: +41 61 324 2200</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 248.65pt 0pt 0pt">E-mail: <FONT STYLE="color: #045FA9">media.relations@novartis.com</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 0 0pt -40pt">&nbsp;</P>

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

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10pt">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: middle">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left; width: 56%">Paul Barrett</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left; width: 44%">Markus Jaggi</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: middle">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">Novartis Global Media Relations</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">Novartis Media Relations Switzerland</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: middle">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">+41 61 324 7999 (direct)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">+41 61 324 9577 (direct)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>+41 79 797 8137 (mobile)</TD>
    <TD>+41 79 673 7433 (mobile)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>paul.barrett@novartis.com</TD>
    <TD>markus.jaggi.@novartis.com</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: middle">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: middle">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">Eric Althoff</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">Satoshi Sugimoto</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: middle">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">Novartis Global Media Relations</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">Novartis Media Relations Switzerland</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: middle">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">+41 61 324 7999 (direct)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">+41 61 324 6129</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left">+41 79 619 2035</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>eric.althoff@novartis.com</TD>
    <TD>satoshi_jean.sugimoto@novartis.com</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left">Antonio Ligi</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left">Novartis Global Media Relations</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left">+41 61 324 1374 (direct)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>+41 79 723 3681 (mobile)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>antonio.ligi@novartis.com</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>


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<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 0pt">Novartis Investor Relations</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 207.3pt 0pt 0pt">Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944</P>

<P STYLE="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt 207.3pt 0pt 0pt">E-mail: <FONT STYLE="color: #045FA9">investor.relations@novartis.com</FONT></P>

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

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10pt">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 31%; padding-left: 11.5pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Central</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 20%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 23%; padding-left: 8.15pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">North America</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 26%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 11.5pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Samir Shah</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 5.8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+41 61 324 7944</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 8.15pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Richard Pulik</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 26.35pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+1 212 830 2448</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 11.5pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Pierre-Michel Bringer</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 5.8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+41 61 324 1065</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 8.15pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Cory Twining</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 26.35pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+1 212 830 2417</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 11.5pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Thomas Hungerbuehler</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 5.8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+41 61 324 8425</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 11.5pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Isabella Zinck</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-left: 5.8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">+41 61 324 7188</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>


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


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

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

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

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; background-color: white; font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>Novartis AG</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="width: 52%"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 7%"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 25%"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 16%"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Date: September 4, 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><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Name:&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">Paul Penepent</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></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>
