1. Scrip
  2. >>Business

New Dawn At Novartis As Narasimhan Demands Breakthroughs

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Vas Narasimhan says it’s not enough to develop drugs that are first- or best-in-class, they have to be transformational in the benefits they offer patients and society at large. CAR-T therapy Kymriah fits the bill.

Torch
All yours: Joe Jimenez has passed the torch to Vas Narasimhan • Source: Shutterstock

Vas Narasimhan, who takes over on Feb. 1 as Novartis AG CEO from Joe Jimenez, has outlined the direction he intends to take the Swiss major, and claimed that real breakthrough therapies are the only ones worth pursuing.

The passing of the torch at Novartis' annual press conference in Basel on Jan

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Business

‘Market Developments’ Persuade Galapagos To Rethink Spin-Off

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

CEO Paul Stoffels exits early to be succeeded by Henry Gosebruch, who will now consider ‘all options’ for the Belgian firm as it tries to claw back investor confidence.

Strong Showing For Bayer’s Pharma Business In Uncertain Times

 
• By Kevin Grogan

As CEO Anderson backs high prices for innovative drugs in Europe

Stock Watch: Stock Watch: Lilly And Novo Duke Out Q1

 
• By Andy Smith

Novo Nordisk enjoyed a surprise GLP-1 agonist contracting win in the first quarter of 2025. This provided a welcome boost to its stock after it had spent the previous quarter on the back foot against rival Lilly.

Azafaros Banks Over €130m To Advance Nizubaglustat Into Phase III

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The therapy has been developed for GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and Niemann-Pick disease type C.

More from Scrip

Azafaros Banks Over €130m To Advance Nizubaglustat Into Phase III

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The therapy has been developed for GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and Niemann-Pick disease type C.

Sustainability Key To ABL Bio’s Journey From ‘Good To Great’

 
• By Jung Won Shin

Helped by a recent major platform deal with GSK, South Korea's ABL Bio is aiming to build its R&D portfolio with an eye on being acquired in the future. CEO Sang Hoon Lee sat down with Scrip to explain the venture's journey so far and its ambitious roadmap.

Roche Reveals Another US Manufacturing Site As Tariff Pressures Seem To Ease

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Roche/Genentech unveiled plans for a $700m-plus manufacturing facility for weight loss drugs in North Carolina as President Trump signaled such investments could mean no tariffs for pharma.