Sandoz appoints Vas Narasimhan as Head of Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals & Oncology Injectables

Munich, Germany, 28-3-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — Sandoz announced today that Vasant (Vas) Narasimhan, MD, MPP, has been appointed Head of Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals & Oncology Injectables effective April 1, 2014. Vas, currently Global Head of Development at Novartis Vaccines, succeeds Ameet Mallik who will take on a new leadership role at Novartis Oncology. Vas will be responsible for biosimilars, oncology injectables, the biotechnology contract manufacturing business, as well as Sandoz’ industry-leading biosimilars pipeline.

“I am deeply grateful for Ameet’s outstanding leadership as he and his team drove Sandoz’ ascent to global market leadership in biosimilars and significantly strengthened our oncology injectables business”, said Jeff George, Global Head of Sandoz. “I am very pleased to welcome Vas to Sandoz. With his excellent track record and experience in both development and commercialization of vaccines, Vas is the ideal leader to lead these strategic and highly complex businesses.”

As the Global Head of Development for Novartis Vaccines, Vas led a 1200 person organization focused on the technical and clinical development of Novartis’ vaccines pipeline which includes 25 programs and over 100 ongoing clinical trials. Under his leadership, Novartis secured three first-in-class approvals with FDA and EMA including the EMA approval of Bexsero® – the world’s first vaccine for meningitis B. Prior to that, Vas was Region Head, Novartis Vaccines North America and President for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics in the US. In this role, Vas managed a USD 900 million business and led a 300 person organization, including the build-up of a 220 person sales force. Vas, who is a US national, received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and obtained his Masters in Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from University of Chicago.

Sandoz is the global leader and pioneer in developing, manufacturing and commercializing biosimilars. Sandoz markets three biosimilar products, each of which are #1 in their respective categories globally and has an industry-leading biosimilars pipeline of seven Phase III trials across five molecules including biosimilars for Humira®, Enbrel®, Rituxan® and Neulasta®. Sandoz is among the leading global suppliers of oncology injectables with a comprehensive portfolio, strong pipeline, and broad geographic presence.

About Sandoz
Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, is a global leader in the generic pharmaceutical sector. Sandoz employs over 26,500 employees and its products are sold in more than 160 countries, offering a broad range of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents. With USD 9.2 billion in sales in 2013, Sandoz has a portfolio of approximately 1,100 molecules, and holds the #1 position globally in biosimilars as well as in generic injectables, ophthalmics, dermatology and antibiotics, complemented by leading positions in the cardiovascular, metabolism, central nervous system, pain, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and hormonal therapeutic areas. Sandoz develops, produces, and markets these medicines, as well as active pharmaceutical and biotechnological substances. Nearly half of Sandoz’s portfolio is in differentiated products, which are defined as products that are more difficult to scientifically develop and manufacture than standard generics.

In addition to strong organic growth since consolidating its generics businesses under the Sandoz brand name in 2003, Sandoz has benefitted from strong growth of its acquisitions, which include Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria), Oriel Therapeutics (US), and Fougera Pharmaceuticals (US).

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For further information

Sreejit Mohan
Head of Communications,
Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals & Oncology Injectables
+49 (0)8024 476 2550
sreejit.mohan@sandoz.com