Basel, July 25, 2005 - Novartis OTC is the best European OTC company for the second year in a row, according to a pan-European survey of pharmacists conducted by the British-based Institute for Medical Statistics (IMS). The survey found that the Novartis AG business unit, which markets Voltaren® and Nicotinell®, was ranked number one for overall satisfaction and product innovation among Europe's pharmacists. The pharmacists also said they are most likely to recommend non-prescription medicines made by Novartis, and gave its sales representatives the highest possible rating.
"In recognition of its consistently high standards for products and work, the IMS is pleased to announce Novartis OTC as the European OTC Company of the Year for the second consecutive year," said Francine O'Brien, Global Marketing Director for IMS Consumer Health. "This award reflects Novartis OTC's continued commitment towards European pharmacists, its key customer group."
IMS questioned 3,700 pharmacists in 13 European countries about their opinions of leading European manufacturers of non-prescription medicines. The OTC Mirror award is based on indexes covering four perceptions: general satisfaction with the company, satisfaction with company's OTC brands, likelihood of recommending the company's products and satisfaction for the company's representatives.
"This award recognizes the dedication of our associates who are continuously working to better serve our customers with innovative products and great brands," said Susanne Kohout, Head of the Novartis OTC business unit for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "We have seen dramatic changes in regulatory status, consumer habits and customer needs across all markets. It is a great achievement to receive such a prize for the second year in a row, as it demonstrates our capacity to acclimate in our ever-changing environment."
Novartis recently announced that it would acquire the rights to produce and market Bristol-Myer Squibb's North American OTC brand portfolio, including the related sales of these brands in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This acquisition is expected to provide Novartis OTC with even greater critical mass in the OTC market in the U.S., as well as with key trade customers around the world.
About Novartis
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2004, the Group's businesses achieved sales of USD 28.2 billion and pro forma net income of USD 5.6 billion. The Group invested approximately USD 4.2 billion in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 81,400 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information please consult http://www.novartis.com.
About Novartis Consumer Health
The OTC business unit of Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., with global headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey, is a world leader in the development, production and marketing of self-medication products for the in-home treatment and prevention of medical conditions and ailments and for the enhancement of overall health and well being. The OTC business unit is part of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS).
About IMS Health
Operating in more than 100 countries, IMS Health is the world's leading provider of information solutions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. With $1.6 billion in 2004 revenue and more than 50 years of industry experience, IMS offers leading-edge business intelligence products and services that are integral to clients' day-to-day operations, including portfolio optimization capabilities; launch and brand management solutions; sales force effectiveness innovations; managed care and over-the-counter offerings; and consulting and services solutions that improve ROI and the delivery of quality healthcare worldwide. Additional information is available at http://www.imshealth.com.
Operating in more than 100 countries, IMS Health is the world's leading provider of information solutions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. With $1.6 billion in 2004 revenue and more than 50 years of industry experience, IMS offers leading-edge business intelligence products and services that are integral to clients' day-to-day operations, including portfolio optimization capabilities; launch and brand management solutions; sales force effectiveness innovations; managed care and over-the-counter offerings; and consulting and services solutions that improve ROI and the delivery of quality healthcare worldwide. Additional information is available at http://www.imshealth.com.
# # #
Contacts
Nehl Horton
Novartis Global Media Relations
Tel +41 61 324 5749
or +41 61 324 2200
Marina Ashanin
Novartis Consumer Health
Tel +41 61 324 5681
or +41 61 324 4965
