Leading High Blood Pressure Drug Diovan(R) (Valsartan) Is Also Potentially a Life-Saving Treatment After Heart Attack, Major New Study Finds

Market Wire, 20050229

For more information or for full prescribing information for Diovan go to "Prescribing Info/Quick Download" at www.pharma.us.novartis.com or call Anna Frable at (862) 778-5388 or Kim Callahan Fox at (862) 778-7692.

The foregoing press statement contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "will file," "suggests," "expected," "investigating," "potential," "future," "new," "designed to" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. In particular, management's expectations relating to Diovan could be affected among other things, uncertainties relating to clinical trials, regulatory developments, and competition in general. 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.

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 78,200 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information please consult http://www.novartis.com.

(1)Wogen, J et al: Managed Care Pharmacy 2003;9:424-429.

For further information contact: Anna Frable Novartis (862-778-5388) Kim Callahan Fox Novartis (862) 778-7692