Novartis to Locate Asian Vaccine R&D Center in Taiwan

Taipei, Feb. 12, 2009 (CENS)--Swiss-based Novartis, among the top-five pharmaceutical makers in the world, recently decided to locate its Asian vaccine development center in Taiwan, according to Alex Chang, country president of Novartis Taiwan.

Novartis Taiwan pointed out that its parent firm stepped into the global vaccine market by acquiring the United States-based Chrion two years ago. In 2008, the new business contributed to about 4% of Novartis' annual revenue of US$41.5 billion.

The pharmaceutical firm has been seeking new business development targets in recent years, and the rising prevalence of diseases in Asia has creates a new opportunity for Novartis' vaccine business.

After evaluations, Chang said, Novartis' headquarter selected Taiwan as its vaccine development center in the second half of 2008.

Novartis has been bidding for official influenza-vaccine contracts since 2008, hoping to win more business in Taiwan.

According to Chang, Taiwan's clinical testing capability has gained considerable global attention, having attracted Novartis to pour NT$650 million (US$19.7 million at US$1: NT$33) to conduct several projects on the island.

The country president noted that Novartis had R&D budget of US$7.2 billion in 2008. The company set up a tropical disease R&D center in Singapore, but recognized the importance of founding a vaccine R&D center after tuberculosis has resurfaced in some developing nations.