Novartis Unveils Innovation and Collaboration at the 6th China International Import Expo Under the Theme 'Focused Innovation, Empowered Collaboration'

On November 5, Novartis showcased several groundbreaking innovative drugs and cutting-edge therapies at the sixth China International Import Expo. This marks the sixth consecutive participation of Novartis in the CIIE and its first appearance as a pharmaceutical company fully dedicated to innovative medicines after spinning off its generic drug business.

Novartis Booth at the 2023 CIIE

Novartis China President Zhang Ying stated: "The CIIE is an important platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations. Novartis focuses on the therapeutic areas with the most urgent needs for Chinese patients, and we hope to continue leveraging the CIIE platform to collaborate with all parties in accelerating the introduction of innovative drugs into China, enabling Chinese patients to benefit from our advanced therapies and innovative medicines as soon as possible. Additionally, the CIIE is also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our 'Commitment to China.' We will continue to put patients at the center, constantly expand medicine accessibility, and cooperate with multiple parties to jointly improve disease diagnosis, treatment, and management standards while deepening trust with Chinese society and increasing investment in the local market."

  Focus on Innovative Drugs

Focusing on the keywords "focus" and "innovation," Novartis showcased its efforts and achievements in focusing on innovative drugs, patients, and the Chinese market at this year's CIIE.

Novartis has always been known for its innovative research and development. At this year's CIIE, Novartis showcased several innovative products and therapies, including already marketed innovations as well as future products being actively introduced. Examples include the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) Entresto, the fully human interleukin-17A inhibitor Cosentyx, the small interfering RNA cholesterol-lowering drug Leqvio approved this year, and the innovative breast cancer treatment Kisqali, all of which have benefited patients in China.

Leading innovation, Novartis also showcased several future products currently being actively introduced, including a targeted Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) innovative drug in the field of radioligand therapy, the small molecule complement factor B inhibitor Iptacopan, the BTK inhibitor Remibrutinib for oral treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU), and the novel lipid-lowering drug Pelacarsen that reduces Lipoprotein(a).

Novartis’ innovation focuses on four core therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, oncology, neuroscience) and five key technology platforms. Notably, Novartis is the only company investing in research and development across all five key technology platforms, including two established platforms (chemotherapy and biologic therapy) and three emerging platforms (gene and cell therapy, radioligand therapy, and xRNA therapy). At this year’s CIIE, Novartis showcased the specific areas of focus within the four therapeutic areas as well as current R&D priorities, while sharing representative future products being developed on these technology platforms.

  Focus on the "Spillover Effect" of the CIIE

Participating in the CIIE for six consecutive years, Novartis has continuously benefited from the "spillover effects" of the CIIE. By showcasing cutting-edge innovations at the event and leveraging reforms in the new drug review and approval system as well as relevant policies, Novartis has accelerated the introduction of innovative products into the Chinese market.

Since participating in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2018, Novartis has received approval for approximately 30 innovative drugs and indications in China. Among them are innovative drugs that were showcased at the CIIE before their approval, including the small interfering RNA drug Leqvio. This "CIIE baby," which has been exhibited for three consecutive years, made its debut at the CIIE in 2021, drawing widespread attention. Following this, through innovative initiatives such as "pilot programs," it was successively introduced in Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, allowing Chinese patients with urgent clinical needs to benefit early. In August this year, Leqvio was officially approved. Just before this year’s CIIE, Leqvio had already entered hospitals in many parts of China, benefiting the first group of patients with abnormal blood lipids.

Novartis continues to make strides in innovation. At the 2022 China International Import Expo (CIIE), Novartis showcased a radioligand therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, drawing significant attention. Since then, Novartis has been expediting the introduction of this innovative therapy, with three clinical studies currently underway. Novartis is also considering establishing production facilities for radioligand therapy in China to benefit more Chinese patients.

  Focus on Patients, Focus on China

At the 2023 China International Import Expo, Novartis also set up a "Focus on Patients" special zone for the first time, showcasing its commitment to the concept of "patient-centered care." In collaboration with healthcare institutions, doctors, patient organizations, and other industry partners, Novartis explores comprehensive management throughout the entire process, including raising disease awareness, accelerating diagnosis, standardizing treatment, and long-term follow-up. Through patient care programs across multiple disease areas, Novartis helps patients improve their health and live more freely.

The origins of Novartis in China can be traced back 137 years. Today, China is one of Novartis' four key global regions. In a dedicated "Focus on China" section, Novartis showcased its development journey in China, including efforts to expand medicine accessibility and deepen societal trust. Since 2017, Novartis has had over 30 innovative drugs included in the national medical insurance catalog, leading the industry. Expanding into county-level markets is also considered one of the key priorities for the next phase, with a commitment to continuously improving patient access in these areas. Currently, products cover major disease areas such as cardiovascular, oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology in county-level regions.

Focusing on China, Novartis has also showcased multiple ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) projects, as well as efforts to integrate smart manufacturing, automation, clean energy, and green chemistry into local research, development, and production processes. The company is actively fulfilling its corporate responsibilities and contributing to the sustainable development of society.