Novartis convenes experts to discuss new technologies in healthcare at Novartis International BioCamp

• 13th International Biotechnology Leadership Camp focuses on potential of new technologies to fundamentally transform biomedical research and the pharmaceutical business
  
• Interactive program brings 60 top university students from 18 countries and territories to Novartis headquarters in Switzerland
  
• Over the course of three days, students will attend lectures, visit labs and work on a business case exploring opportunities of using digital technologies in healthcare

Basel, August 29, 2016 - Novartis today opened the 13th International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp). Over the course of three days more than 60 selected students from international universities will discuss and explore with biotechnology and business experts how patients around the world can benefit from innovative technologies.

The digital age has the potential to fundamentally transform biomedical research and the pharmaceutical business. At BioCamp, students and experts will explore these opportunities and discuss ways in which this can benefit patients around the world.

"As a leader in healthcare innovation, Novartis aims to leverage the fundamental transformation that the digital age will bring for biomedical research. This will bring great change to the pharmaceutical industry and is in the best interests of patients and society," said Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis. "Digitalization can foster progress in research and development, make clinical trials more efficient and patient-friendly and allow us to better understand who benefits most from which therapies."

Neuroscience is one of the areas where digital innovation is revolutionizing medical practice. An example highlighted at the event is an innovative movement recording system which aims to quantify a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient's level of disability in a non-invasive, patient-friendly manner. The device measures a patient's movements using a video sensor with machine learning algorithms. Currently under development by Novartis in collaboration with leading MS experts and Microsoft Research, this tool may have the potential to change how neurological dysfunction and disability progression are assessed in MS patients.

This new device will also be the basis of a workshop, where BioCamp participants will work in groups to develop strategies to successfully include this new technology in a clinical setting. On the final day of the program, the groups will present their strategy proposals to a jury of experts. The jury will select three individual winners and one winning team based on their contribution, performance, leadership and teamwork. The workshop will give students first-hand experience of working in a diverse cross-cultural project team.

About BioCamp
The Novartis International Biotechnology Leadership Camp is a 3-day biotechnology seminar for top graduate and postgraduate students interested in pursuing a career in biotechnology.

BioCamp participants get an insider's perspective on the challenges and opportunities in biotechnology today through seminars led by Novartis leaders and experts from around the world. Workshops are designed to give participants the tools they need to become successful biotech managers and entrepreneurs.

Launched in 2003 in Taiwan, BioCamp has developed into an international forum for science and business students from around the world to learn, exchange ideas and work together in a highly competitive business environment. Today's seminar marks the seventh international BioCamp hosted at the state-of-the-art Novartis global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "opportunities," "potential," "will," "can," "aims," "under development," "may," "designed," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential approvals for the movement recording system under development, or regarding potential future revenues from such system. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the movement recording system under development will be submitted or approved for sale in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such system will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding such system could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including unexpected clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing pressures; unexpected safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care and cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2015, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.4 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 8.9 billion (USD 8.7 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are available in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

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