The healthcare landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by scientific innovation, new technology platforms, and a sharpened global focus on equitable access to care. For Novartis Taiwan, this momentum represents its purpose to improving and extending people’s lives through reimagined approaches to medicine.
“Reimagining medicine means pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and creating sustainable ecosystems that address unmet medical needs while challenging the status quo,” says Novartis Taiwan President Keizo Miyazawa.
Focusing on four core therapeutic areas – Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic (CRM), Immunology, Neuroscience, and Oncology – the company is also building strength in advanced platforms such as radioligand therapy (RLT), xRNA therapeutics, and gene and cell therapies to deliver next-generation treatments.
Novartis’ impact in Taiwan has been recognized at the highest levels. In May, the company’s leadership was congratulated personally by President Lai Ching-te following Novartis’ receipt of the 2024 National Biotechnology and Medical Care Quality Award. This marks the second consecutive year that Novartis’ world-class gene and cell therapies have earned the Golden Award designation.
“It is an honor to receive these awards and to have the opportunity to meet with President Lai for this recognition,” says Miyazawa. “Over the past 30 years, Novartis has introduced many innovative treatments to Taiwan, helping people live longer and healthier lives.”
As the largest international pharmaceutical company operating on the island, Novartis invested over NT$400 million (US$12.4 million) in R&D locally in 2024 alone and currently has 62 clinical trials underway for Taiwanese patients.
Key to Novartis’ approach is its commitment to working closely with Taiwan’s healthcare ecosystem. “The world-class facilities, physicians, and collaborative spirit we have found here are extraordinary,” says Miyazawa. “Health must be seen not as a cost but as an investment in the future. We are proud to support Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, enhance quality of care, and promote industry development.”
Patient-centered care is a defining pillar of Novartis’ strategy. The company’s commitment is anchored in four principles: respecting and understanding patient community perspectives, expanding access to medicines, conducting responsible clinical trials, and ensuring transparency and reporting. Through initiatives like the annual Alliance & Partnerships for Patient Innovation & Solutions (APPIS) Summit – now heading into its fifth year – Novartis is fostering sustainable partnerships to address barriers to healthcare access across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Strategic public-private partnerships also set Novartis apart. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and Taiwan faces a high prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recognizing the urgency, Novartis became the first private-sector partner to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration to address ASCVD prevention and lipid management. The MOU covers data integration, optimization of clinical pathways, patient tracking models, and health literacy promotion.
“Early intervention is critical,” explains Miyazawa. “Up to 90% of CVD deaths are preventable if risk factors are managed early.” This collaboration aligns closely with government programs like the 888 Program, which emphasizes preventive healthcare and lifestyle counseling to address the “three highs” (hypertension, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol).
Beyond cardiovascular care, Novartis is advancing oncology treatment in Taiwan with a special focus on breast cancer. By targeting early-stage breast cancer, Novartis aims to shift the paradigm from life extension to potential cures, directly supporting Lai’s Healthy Taiwan initiative, which seeks to reduce cancer mortality by one-third by 2030.
Meanwhile, Novartis is leading the charge in RLT, a next-generation cancer treatment that precisely targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Already a global leader in this field, Novartis continues to expand RLT’s potential across multiple tumor types and integrate artificial intelligence and data science to further accelerate R&D.
The company’s leadership extends beyond medical innovation to environmental and social responsibility. Globally ranked first in the 2024 Access to Medicine Index, the company is recognized for improving access to treatments worldwide. In Taiwan, Novartis was the first international pharmaceutical company to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions report (ISO-14064-1) and receive a “Green Certificate” from the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy.
“Our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world,” says Miyazawa. “At Novartis Taiwan, we are proud to not only bring innovative treatments to patients but also to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem, support public health initiatives like our longstanding collaboration with Lo-Sheng Hospital on leprosy treatment, and drive sustainable, equitable healthcare solutions for the future.”
As Taiwan continues to prioritize innovation and health equity, Novartis stands ready to contribute to building a healthier, more resilient future for all.
