Expanding product safety

During 2006, Novartis integrated its clinical safety and epidemiology group - formerly a separate function - directly into its clinical development organization. As a result, our safety experts have direct and ongoing input into the assessments of new medicines throughout their development.

This effort has been accompanied by the creation of several senior executive boards that regularly review safety and risk-related issues for all products. These boards are not required by law but represent voluntary efforts by Novartis to create additional layers of protection and oversight.