New Novartis Research Institute first to focus on innovative vaccines for the developing world

23 February 2008

Novartis yesterday announced the opening of a new research institute in Siena with a nonprofit mission to exclusively focus on the development of vaccines for diseases of the developing world.

The Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health (NVGH) is the first institute of its kind to be set up by a major vaccine manufacturer.

All products discovered at NVGH will be introduced first in developing countries. While NVGH will focus on the R&D for vaccines for diseases of the developing world, the Institute will license a third party to develop and distribute the vaccines at an affordable and accessible price to the target populations.

The NVGH's goal is to address the unmet medical need for vaccines for diseases of the developing world by researching vaccines specifically tailored for developing country needs and introducing them first in those countries. The NVGH is a public private partnership and will also collaborate with external organizations to build strength in resources.

Dr Allan Saul, who has nearly 30 years of experience in translational research and development, will head the institute. Dr Saul joined Novartis from the laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US. He has a strong background in vaccines research and his translational vaccine research experience has lead to numerous candidates taken into full development and testing.

"NVGH reinforces the Novartis commitment to R&D for neglected diseases, and will potentially bring innovative vaccines to the patients who may need it most," said Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO of Novartis. "Novartis will continue to draw on our expertise and the skills of our associates to contribute to sustainable Corporate Citizenship initiatives."