BASEL, Switzerland, April 15, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Novartis (NYSE:NVS) (Other OTC:NVSEF):
-- Group sales up 21% in USD (13% in local currencies);
Pharmaceuticals grows by 18% in USD (10% in local currencies);
Generics jumps 98% in USD (83% in local currencies)
-- Group operating income climbs 24%, lifted by further productivity
and product mix enhancements
-- Net income at previous first quarter level due to impact of 2002
loss at associated company Roche, excluding which net income would
have increased 27%
-- Increased investment in R&D and successful Business
Development/Licensing deals add to attractive pipeline