Study Shows Zelnorm Effective and Well Tolerated for Treating Chronic Constipation

Market Wire, 20050229

Zelnorm was discovered and developed by Novartis. Zelnorm, known internationally as Zelmac, is approved in more than 45 countries including Australia, Switzerland, Canada, and Brazil. Zelnorm is being studied as a potential treatment for other important gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia.

About DDW

Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW takes place May 17-22, 2003 in Orlando, Florida. The meeting showcases approximately 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the Company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans to," "if approved," "would be," "potential," "is planned," or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results with Zelnorm to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Specifically, there are no guarantees that the data described above will result in the commercial success of Zelnorm. Any such success can be affected by, among other things, uncertainties relating to product development, future clinical trial results, adverse regulatory actions or delays, government regulation generally, the ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection, competition in general and other risks and factors referred to in the Company's current Form 20-F on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States.

About Novartis

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufacturers and markets leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of diseases and conditions, including central nervous system disorders, organ transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, respiratory disorders, cancer and arthritis. The company's mission is to improve people's lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.

Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS), a world leader in pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2002, the Group's businesses achieved sales of USD 20.9 billion and a net income of USD 4.7 billion. The Group invested approximately USD 2.8 billion in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 77,200 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information please consult www.novartis.com.