Novartis business development stays on course during COVID-19

Even if COVID-19 does disrupt operations or create a buyer’s market, Novartis will not veer from its business development strategy. The pharma was already expanding external innovation before the crisis, and has no intention of changing its pace or priorities because of the outbreak.

Expansion of external innovation has been a priority for the last four years at Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN), relying heavily on licensing and partnering, with scattered bolt-on acquisitions, aimed at building flexibility into the pipeline...