Novartis Vaccines is the
world's fifth-largest vaccines manufacturer and second-largest
supplier of flu vaccines in the US. The division's products also
include meningococcal, pediatric and travel vaccines. Chiron, the
blood testing business, is dedicated to preventing the spread of
infectious diseases through the development of novel blood-screening
tools that protect the world's blood supply.

Novartis AG provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving
needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare,
Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs:
innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive
vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is
the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2008, the
Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion
and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was
invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in
Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately
98,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140
countries around the world. For more information, please visit
http://www.novartis.com.

References
[1.] Snape, MD et al. Immunogenicity of a Tetravalent Meningococcal
Glycoconjugate Vaccine in Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;299(2): 173-184
[2.] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and
Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (The Pink Book: Course
Textbook). 10th Edition, 2nd printing. February 2008 update.
Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/default.htm
[3.] Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Scientific Platform:
Meningococcal Diseases, Revised December 11, 2008
[4.] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention and
Control of Meningococcal Disease - Recommendations of the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR 2005; 54 (RR07): 1-21.
[5.] World Health Organization. Meningococcal meningitis Fact sheet.
May 2003. Available at:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs141/en/
[6.] Harrison, Lee H. Prospects for Vaccine Prevention of
Meningococcal Infection, Clinical Microbiology Reviews: January 2006
: 142-16

# # #

Novartis Media Relations


Central media line : +41 61 324
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Eric Althoff Paul Newman
Novartis Global Media Relations Novartis Vaccines Global
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Novartis Investor Relations


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Ruth Metzler-Arnold +41 61 324 North America:
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e-mail: e-mail:
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Novartis International AG
Posfach Basel

WKN: 904278; ISIN:
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