Novartis Pharma AG: Novartis statement regarding competition authority investigation into assertion of a patent

• Company confident to clarify legitimacy of its position and fully cooperating with authorities

Basel, September 15, 2022 - Novartis today confirms that it has been contacted by the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) which has initiated an investigation, in collaboration with the European Commission, into the assertion of a patent in the broader field of dermatology treatments. In connection with this investigation, COMCO representatives visited the company headquarters in Basel.

The opening of an investigation does not imply any finding of wrongdoing or any financial impact. Novartis is fully cooperating with the authorities and is confident to clarify the legitimacy of its position. As this is an ongoing investigation in its early stages, we will not comment further at this point in time.

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About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 108,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com).

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