2021 news highlights Innovative Medicines In February we were granted an expanded indication for Entresto by the US FDA, allowing for the treatment of most chronic heart failure patients, including all those with an ejection fraction below normal. In March we received EU approval for Kesimpta for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults with active disease defined by clinical or imaging features. Kesimpta is the first B-cell therapy that can be self-administered once-monthly at home. In June we announced US approval for Cosentyx for treatment of children and adolescents with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory disease that may impact up to 350 000 children worldwide, with onset most common during adolescence. In October we received US approval for Scemblix for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in two distinct indications. It offers a new treatment option for CML patients who are resistant or intolerant to prior treatments. In December we received US approval for our cholesterol-lowering medicine Leqvio. Separately, we announced in September a world-first agreement between Novartis and the National Health Service in England to enable broad and rapid access to Leqvio via a population health management approach. Sandoz In February we signed an agreement to acquire GlaxoSmithKline’s cephalosporin antibiotics business, reinforcing Sandoz’s leading global position in antibiotics. In May we announced plans to further expand Sandoz antibiotics production capabilities in Kundl, Austria, and in Palafolls, Spain. By modernizing and simplifying its manufacturing setup, Sandoz will improve its ability to consistently deliver high-quality medicines to patients while remaining cost-competitive in the global market. In June we announced the launch of generic oncology treatment pemetrexed in 11 countries across Europe, including Germany, Switzerland and Spain.
