Political contributions

Many politically active associations, labor unions and interest groups endeavor to involve themselves with the process of government. In order to foster an appropriate environment in which we can conduct our business, Novartis employs the ethical and legal tools at our disposal to protect and promote our ability to discover and develop new medicines.

In the US, Novartis is a proactive participant in the American political process. The framework that has been laid out by the American legal system allows for corporations, associations and individuals to participate in the electoral process. Corporations are prohibited from directly financing the campaigns of US candidates for federal office, but are allowed to form employee political action committees (PACs). The Novartis PAC is a bipartisan political action committee representing the Novartis Group of Companies. It supports candidates for elective office who are likely to share our views on issues important to the company.

The Novartis PAC uses the following criteria in determining its support for candidates:

• The candidate understands and supports the Novartis mission to continue to develop, manufacture and deliver innovative medicines to patients in need.
• The candidate demonstrates leadership in key areas of importance to our business.
• The candidate shows dedication to improving the relationship between business and government.
• The candidate's constituency includes a Novartis facility or large employee demographic.

Novartis adheres to the guidelines set forth by the United States Federal Election Commission (FEC) related to the federal campaign process. The FEC requires monthly reporting by all organizations involved in PAC activities. Novartis welcomes the transparency required by the FEC and undertakes to apply the same high standards of integrity and ethical business conduct in our dealings with political candidates as we apply in our day-to-day business activities. In 2007, contributions from Novartis PAC to US Federal and State candidates amounted to USD 294 350.31

 

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