Novartis’ American ambitions

Novartis is simplifying its organizational structure with the ambition of breaking into the top five for biopharma sales in the U.S. Given the company’s current position, a lot of products will have to surprise to the upside to transform that aspiration into reality. And while partnering or M&A will almost certainly be needed to meet the goal, the revamping of commercial operations appears mission critical in all events.

CEO Vas Narasimhan is making moves in that direction. He has elevated Marie-France Tschudin from president of Novartis Pharmaceuticals to chief commercial officer, with responsibility for global marketing, medical affairs and access, bringing fresh thinking to the sales operation. In an interview with BioCentury last month, she outlined how she wants to revamp and modernize Novartis’ commercial model by improving access for patients, using new approaches. ...