Press Release

• Ahead of World Diabetes Day, Novartis highlights need for patients to become more active partners in managing their type 2 diabetes

• Campaign raises awareness of difference between symptoms and treatment side effects, such as hypoglycemia and weight gain, to improve disease management

• IDF identifies diabetes as fourth leading cause of death globally1, affecting 285 million people worldwide and 55.2 million people in Europe2

Basel, EMBARGOED UNTIL November 13, 2009 – Novartis has launched a campaign that will educate patients to become more active partners in managing their type 2 diabetes.

The “Know Your Diabetes” campaign, announced ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, aims to improve patient education, so that patients are better able to avoid or delay complications associated with their disease. Through greater awareness of symptoms and effective treatments that minimize treatment related side effects, including hypoglycemia and weight gain, patients and their physicians will be better able to achieve improved treatment and disease outcomes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that represents a serious public health issue and Novartis is committed to improving the lives of people living with it. Every 10 seconds someone dies from diabetes related causes1. Knowing more about the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and treatment related side effects is important for patients, so that they can recognize when they might need to speak to their doctor and seek additional support to help improve their disease management.

The “Know Your Diabetes” patient education campaign comprises multiple initiatives which will be coordinated by Novartis country organizations in collaboration with patient advocacy groups and healthcare providers.

“Novartis is committed to delivering programs that support patients in improving their overall health outcomes,” said Ameet Nathwani, MD, Global Head of the Cardiovascular & Metabolism Development Franchise at Novartis Pharma AG. “Through educating patients to be more aware of the difference between symptoms and treatment related side effects, Novartis is bringing new levels of support and partnership to patients and their healthcare providers.”

“The International Diabetes Federation’s World Diabetes Day campaign is pleased to be joined by the launch of “Know Your Diabetes” as part of the global campaign for diabetes awareness. We want all those responsible for diabetes care to better understand the disease and take control,” said Phil Riley, who leads World Diabetes Day for the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). “Diabetes is a progressive disease, and it is essential that people with diabetes play an integral role in managing their own condition, understanding the signs and symptoms of poor management, and striving for optimal control.”

Novartis has partnered with the IDF since 2000. In 2007, Novartis worked with the IDF to achieve a landmark United Nations resolution whereby the diabetes epidemic was recognized as a global threat; the first time governments acknowledged that a non-infectious disease posed as serious a threat to world health as infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The resolution designated the existing World Diabetes Day – November 14 – as a United Nations Day to be observed every year. It called on all nations to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes.

About Diabetes
Diabetes is a progressive disease in which control of blood sugar deteriorates over time. It affects 55.2 million people in Europe and 285 million people worldwide2, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the world1.

Although there have been significant improvements in diabetes care over recent years, there is still no cure and at least half of all people with the disease are unaware of their condition1.

About World Diabetes Day
Introduced by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization in 1991, World Diabetes Day has been celebrated worldwide every year since. It became an official United Nations World Day in 2007 with the passage of UN Resolution 61/225. November 14 was chosen because it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin. Visit www.worlddiabetesday.org for more information about the campaign.

About IDF
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 220 member associations in more than 160 countries, advocating for the 285 million people with diabetes, their families, and their healthcare providers. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. The Federation is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The International Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day and Unite for Diabetes campaigns. Additional information is available at www.idf.org.

Disclaimer
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 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 each of 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 99,000 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. International Diabetes Federation. “Did You Know?” 2009: http://www.idf.org/sound_bites
2. International Diabetes Federation. “Diabetes Atlas.” 2009 Fourth edition

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