NEW YORK, March 2, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Flemming Ornskov, MD, President of Novartis Ophthalmics, will receive a Distinguished Corporate Achievement Award, at Winternight 2004, a Gala Benefit for Lighthouse International. Dr. Ornskov will accept the award, on behalf of the entire Novartis team, for its work to make Visudyne(r) (verteporfin for injection, 15mg), a drug for treating the severest form of macular degeneration, the breakthrough success it is.
Under the direction of Dr. Ornskov, Novartis has reorganized, streamlined and focused on the Ophthalmics business unit to maximize Visudyne, its fastest growing product.
Novartis Ophthalmics is a global leader in research, development and manufacturing of leading ophthalmic pharmaceuticals that assist in the treatment of glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, ocular allergies, and other diseases and disorders of the eye. Novartis Ophthalmics products are available in more than 110 different countries. The North American headquarters is based in Roseland, New Jersey and its products are made in Switzerland, France and Canada.
Novartis is widely recognized as one of the world's true visionary leaders. Through Visudyne therapy, the Ophthalmics Unit has provided the standard of care treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50. Visudyne has brought hope to individuals facing blindness, and has been a significant stimulus for development of treatment for all forms of retinal degeneration. Dr. Ornskov leads the Ophthalmics Unit, with over 1,110 employees worldwide.