Committed to improve and extend people’s lives through partnerships, research and impact valuation
Novartis is reimagining medicine for healthy and productive Filipinos. As one of the leading research-based pharmaceutical companies in the country, Novartis discovers breakthrough treatments and finds new ways to deliver them to patients in the Philippines.
The company delivers Transformative Innovation by addressing the evolving needs of patients in Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology & Dermatology, Neuroscience, Oncology & Hematology, Retina & Ophthalmology, and Respiratory.
Its priorities include introducing emerging market brands for the treatment of heart failure and psoriasis; providing Kidney Transplant Package to qualified PhilHealth members; collaborating with World Health Organization (WHO) to support the National Malaria Control Program; and offering affordable and high-quality medicines and biosimilars to Filipinos through the Sandoz Division.
Partnering for Health
Novartis embarks on public-private partnerships and develops physical facilities to improve patients’ access to healthcare services in the Philippines.
The company partnered with the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) to develop the Leprosy Alert Response Network and Surveillance System (LEARNS), the country’s first mobile phone-based leprosy referral system, which helps reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. Together with the DOH, ICanServe Foundation, and Philippine Hospital Association, Novartis promotes breast cancer awareness through the development of patient education videos.
With the National Committee for Sight Preservation (NCSP), Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines (VRSP), and The Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF), Novartis co-organized the Collaboration to Preserve Sight initiative to promote awareness on eye health, intensify vision screening, and prevent vision impairment and blindness among underserved communities. The company organized Universal Health Care Forums and established Heart Failure Clinics and a Service Delivery Network to strengthen the local healthcare system.
Strengthening Research Capabilities
Novartis invested PHP 105 million in research and development across multiple therapeutic areas such as respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolism, immunology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and oncology. To date, the company has completed 23 local clinical trials involving 186 patients.
Financial and Social Impact
Novartis contributed PHP 8.3 billion to the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020, of which 15% stems from research development. In terms of social impact, Novartis contributed PHP 2.4 billion, reaching 2.2 million patients locally.
Novartis provides employment to Filipinos, and regional leadership exposure to local talents. It created a total of 9183 local jobs in 2020, which translates to 477 more jobs for every direct employee. The company also develops local scientists through the Next Generation Scientist (NGS) program.
During the height of the pandemic, Novartis supported its associates with an allowance for a home office set-up, provided medical supplies, and facilitated COVID-19 vaccination through the City Government of Makati.
In recognition of its commitment to putting its people first through exceptional human resource (HR) policies, Novartis was certified by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer in the Philippines in 2021 and 2022. The company was also conferred the Outstanding Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy Award by DOH, and Special Recognition for Commitment to Leadership by the Aon Best Employers program.
Nationwide Pandemic Response
Novartis donated over PHP 20 million to support frontline workers and patients, and expand the local healthcare system’s COVID-19 testing and treatment capacity. The donation was used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), test kits, and food packs.
To help patients cope with pandemic travel restrictions, the company collaborated with partner providers for the home delivery of medicines. Novartis also co-organized webinars to promote vaccine awareness and address vaccine hesitancy.
Helping calamity-impacted communities
Novartis donated PHP500,000 to support relief and rehabilitation of communities impacted by super typhoon Odette, the strongest typhoon to strike the Philippines in 2021 which disrupted the lives of more than seven million people.
Novartis is committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
