Novartis Baltics, Skanstes iela 25 (2025)

14/11/2025

💡 At Novartis, we believe that investing in healthcare is investing in the future of our society and economy. When funding is targeted and evidence-based, it delivers real, measurable impact - not only for patients, but for the whole country.

Latvia’s recent experience in breast cancer care is proof: targeted investment leads to better outcomes in both health and economics. Researched published this week compared patient outcomes and system impact between those diagnosed in 2015 and 2022 - a period marked by significant improvements, including access to innovative medicines. Over three years, we tracked not just costs, but the true value these investments bring.

✨ 27% improvement in survival rates across all stages, including stage IV
✨ 129 additional lives saved
✨ 53 extra life-years gained for patients every year
✨ 30% fewer hospital days
✨ Cost-effectiveness: achieved with 4x lower per-patient investment than the WHO’s recommended minimum.

This achievement was only possible thanks to an unprecedented collaboration - public and private partners coming together under a Memorandum of Understanding: Veselības ministrija, Slimību profilakses un kontroles centrs, Nacionālais veselības dienests, Latvijas Digitālās veselības centrs, AmCham Latvia, Inovācijas Veselībā, Association of Biopharmaceutical Drug Manufacturers in Latvia, and academic partners.

The methodology developed for this project is a game-changer. It empowers decision-makers with robust, evidence-based arguments for smarter healthcare financing and can be adapted to other disease areas, helping drive data-driven decisions for a healthier, more resilient society.

Let’s keep moving forward. With these results in hand, we’re committed to ongoing engagement with healthcare stakeholders and the wider community - advocating for investment that delivers strong returns for people, health, and Latvia’s future. 💙

13/11/2025

At Novartis Baltics, we believe that digital partnerships and collaborative innovation are essential to reimagining healthcare for patients and society. By uniting diverse stakeholders, we can accelerate the adoption of data-driven solutions and deliver meaningful impact for Latvia’s healthcare system. 🌍🤝

Last week’s Partnership in Healthcare strategic workshop - organized by AmCham Latvia, Veselības ministrija, and Latvijas Digitālās veselības centrs - brought together leaders from hospitals, academia, public agencies like Nacionālais veselības dienests, and private sector innovators in HealthTech and MedTech.

🎯The workshop focused on strengthening collaboration and accelerating innovation partnerships in healthcare, aiming to outline a vision for a partnership framework and lay the foundation for a more agile, innovative, and patient-centered healthcare system.

Key outcomes:
✅ Shared values for collaboration were defined, making innovation a core, integrated value.
✅ The use of testing and sandbox environments was emphasized for safe piloting of new solutions.
✅ Concrete next steps were identified to reduce administrative burden and streamline collaboration, paving the way for more efficient and effective partnership.

Thank you to all organizers and participants for driving this important dialogue. Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare in Latvia - one partnership at a time! 💙

31/10/2025

🎀 As Pink October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Novartis stands united in our commitment to address breast cancer across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Shared challenges call for shared commitment, and early detection through regular screenings remains key to saving lives.

📊 Globally, 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and 1 woman dies every minute from the disease.

📍In the Baltics, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women. Despite progress in screening, challenges persist:
- Late-stage diagnosis due to low screening uptake and delayed access, especially in rural areas.
- Awareness gaps among older populations and underserved regions.

This October, Novartis proudly supported Patient Advocacy Groups across the Baltics to amplify the message of early detection:

🇱🇹 Spotlighting breast cancer screening with mobile mammography services in underserved regions.
🇱🇻 Encouraging women to symbolically commit to breast health through the Pink Oath campaign.
🇪🇪 Supporting a powerful campaign to raise awareness of metastatic breast cancer through education and visibility.

💬 At Novartis, our colleagues reflect on what this means in practice:

“Innovation brings hope. Awareness drives action. Community gives strength.”
— Keit Ilau, Estonia
“In small towns, screening is still out of reach. Let’s change that.”
— Virginija Josiene, Lithuania
“The Pink Oath means standing for access, empathy, and early detection.”
— Klāvs Freidenfelds, Latvia

🙏We extend our heartfelt thanks to POLA, Pink train foundation/Rozā vilciena labdarības fonds , Eesti Vähiliit - Elujõu Liit for creating and driving such impactful activities!

Together, we turn awareness into action.

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29/10/2025

🌍 Psoriasis is more than a skin condition - it’s a serious, systemic disease affecting over 60 million people worldwide. On October 29th, we join with the global community in marking World Psoriasis Day and support global campaign: Stop the Domino Effect.

Psoriasis can lead to joint damage and is linked to increased risks for cardiometabolic diseases and mental health disorders.

💔 People living with psoriasis are twice as likely to experience serious psychological distress. It’s time to break the stigma and advocate for comprehensive care.

📍 At Novartis Baltics, we marked the day in our Lithuanian office with an educational session and a team quiz to raise awareness and foster empathy.

We believe in integrated care that addresses both physical and mental health. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone affected by psoriasis receives the support they deserve.

🔗 Learn more about the campaign: https://www.ifpa-pso.com/global-actions-overview/world-psoriasis-day

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22/10/2025

At Novartis, we believe that strategic investment in healthcare is not just a moral imperative, but a driver of national resilience and economic growth. The Draghi report on EU competitiveness explicitly highlights the pharmaceutical sector as one of the top three strategic sectors for the EU’s future, calling for more investment and innovation. 💡🌍

Yet the Baltic countries continue to lag behind in key health and competitiveness indicators:
• Days to medicines availability: 🇪🇺 578 | 🇱🇹 819 | 🇱🇻 642 | 🇪🇪 713
• Innovative medicines availability: 🇪🇺 80 | 🇱🇹 28 | 🇱🇻 31 | 🇪🇪 42
• Healthy life years: 🇪🇺 63.1 | 🇱🇹 60.9 | 🇱🇻 52.7 | 🇪🇪 58.1
• Preventable and treatable mortality per 100k: 🇪🇺258 | 🇱🇹493 | 🇱🇻543 | 🇪🇪393

📊A new KPMG/AmCham benchmark ranks 🇱🇹20th, 🇱🇻29th, 🇪🇪26th out of 32 EU member states and global market leaders for life sciences business climate - highlighting the need for faster approvals 🚀, stronger funding 💶, and unified national strategies 🤝.

Dita Erna Sīle, Public Affairs and External Communication Head Baltics:
“At Novartis, we believe investing in healthcare is a catalyst for resilience and growth. Now it is time for bold decisions - let’s work together: industry, government, society - to ensure every person in the Baltics has access to the care they need.”

17/10/2025

We’ve seen how small actions can lead to big change when it comes to mental wellbeing at work - and our teams from Vilnius to Tallinn are making a difference. 🧠💙
Across the Baltics, we’re building a workplace culture rooted in care, courage, and commitment - reflecting Novartis’ global values and our belief in making a meaningful impact.

We continuously invest in initiatives that support the mental well-being of our associates. This shared commitment came into special focus during World Mental Health Month, when we celebrated both regional efforts and local milestones.

We are especially proud to announce that Novartis in Estonia has been awarded the Mental Health Label 2025 by 🏅 - a recognition of the team’s dedication to mental health in the workplace. This achievement not only highlights Estonia’s leadership but also reflects the progress we are making together across the Baltics.

💬 Guna Logina, P&O People Partner Baltics: “Mental wellbeing is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. At Novartis, we believe that when people feel safe, supported, and seen, they thrive. And when they thrive, we all move forward together.” 🌱

👏 Congratulations to our colleagues in Estonia for setting a powerful example and contributing to a stronger, more resilient Novartis community. Together, we continue our journey toward a healthier and more supportive workplace for all. 💙

13/10/2025

🧡 World Arthritis Day 2025: Standing Beside Every Psoriatic Arthritis Patient 🧡

Although was marked yesterday, today we continue to shine a light on what often goes unseen: beyond physical pain, can bring deep emotional distress and social isolation. 😔 Many patients report feeling overwhelmed by their symptoms and the limitations they impose on daily life. Anxiety and depression are common companions, intensified by societal misconceptions that fuel discrimination and loneliness.

Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care can help patients maintain mobility, stay active in work and community life, and reduce the risk of long-term impact.

💡 How can we all make a difference today?

• Patients 👥: Your experience matters - share the full story, not just the “good days.” Education and awareness start with your voice. Help demystify PsA by speaking openly about your journey.
• Healthcare professionals & advocates 🩺: Push for earlier diagnosis and equitable access to care. Many patients still face barriers to seeing specialists or receiving effective treatment - especially in underserved regions.
• Caregivers & friends 🤗: Check in often, listen empathetically, and offer caring support. Encourage loved ones to seek medical advice early and connect them with helpful resources.
• Workplaces 🏢: Flexibility and understanding make a real difference. Promote awareness and provide accommodations that support employees living with PsA.
• Community leaders & organizers🌍: Build and support peer networks. Support groups and community resources offer emotional strength and practical advice, helping reduce isolation and empower patients.

💬 Let’s raise awareness, foster empathy, and support those navigating the invisible challenges of arthritis.

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02/10/2025

🌟 We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone for Novartis Baltics and Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte (Riga Stradins University) | RSU Inovāciju centrs! 🤝

Agrita Kiopa, Vice-Rector for Science, RSU, Ramune Lauciuviene, Country President Baltics and Ukraine, and Sweta Ghelani, European Central Cluster Head, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a Medical Traineeship Program - an exciting step forward in our long-term partnership and investment in future healthcare talent.

This collaboration is all about connecting, sharing perspectives, and confirming our shared commitment to meaningful cooperation. Together, we’re nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders by providing hands-on experience across key functions at Novartis, fostering innovation, and building capacity in clinical research, regulatory science, and access strategy.

By joining forces, we encourage collaboration between academia and industry, and contribute to the growth of the healthcare ecosystem in Latvia and the Baltics. 🌍💡

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible local and cluster teams for making this possible Irena Teterina, Dita Erna Sile, Guna Logina, Nuria Jornet.

We look forward to supporting future healthcare professionals on their journey! 🚀

01/10/2025

🫀 On World Heart Day, we came together in Tallinn to advance cardiovascular care — because every heartbeat deserves our best effort

📅 On September 30th, Ravimitootjate liit (the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Estonia (APME)) organized a roundtable that brought together experts from Sotsiaalministeerium (the Ministry of Social Affairs), Tervisekassa (the Estonian Health Insurance Fund), healthcare professionals, and patient representatives. The focus: improving the treatment journey for patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure.

💡 Inspired by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund’s care pathway initiative, the discussion highlighted key challenges and opportunities:

⚠️ Fragmented patient journeys - many don’t receive or stay on necessary treatment
🔄 Communication gaps between hospitals, GPs, and rehabilitation services
🧑‍⚕️ The critical role of nurse coordinators and support staff - but there’s a shortage
❓ Lack of clear responsibilities across the system
🔗 Need for integrated care, better data sharing, and understandable patient information
💻 Future solutions like digital care plans, health data warehouses, and stronger prevention strategies

🗣️ Karin Varrak, Novartis Country Business Head Estonia and Head of APME’s Cardiovascular Working Group, shared: “What stood out to me was the shared commitment to improving patient outcomes. Small steps matter, but lasting impact requires systemic change and cross-sector collaboration. Healthcare must be treated as an investment in our future.”

🙏 Thank you to all participants for your commitment. On , we’re reminded: collaboration is key — and no heart should be lost too soon. ❤️

25/09/2025

🌟 Baltic Magic in Motion🌟

This week, the Novartis European Central Cluster (ECC) leadership team brought an incredible wave of energy and inspiration to Riga for our business review. From the very first moment, the spirit of collaboration, bold ambition, and relentless drive for excellence was palpable. Together, we went beyond the numbers - we celebrated our journey as the No. 1 company in the Baltics, leading in every therapy area we play in, and shaping the future of healthcare with courage and innovation. 🚀

Throughout the visit, we engaged in in-depth discussions on performance, strategy, and the unique strengths that make the Baltics a true benchmark region for Novartis. Our teams in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia continue to set new standards - delivering continued growth, pioneering digital health solutions, and building partnerships that make a real difference for patients and communities. 💡🌍

Ramune Lauciuviene, Country President Baltics & Ukraine, shared:
“There is truly a Baltic Magic in Motion. As the No. 1 company in the Baltics and a leader in every therapy area we play in, I am incredibly proud of our high-performing teams across all three countries. Their ambition, resilience, and passion for patients set the standard for excellence. Together, we are not just achieving results - we are raising the bar and inspiring each other to always do better.”

Sweta Ghelani, ECC Head, perspective on the Baltic team:
“The Baltics team is simply - they find a way to overcome barriers here. What impresses me most is the unique Baltic mindset: they are ambitious, accountable and collaborative. They set the benchmark high and I believe that their innovative and pragmatic approach to solving problems could be exported to other countries as a shining example of what’s possible when ambition meets teamwork. When they commit as one team, they deliver for patients.”

🔥 Let’s keep the momentum going! This visit is not just a milestone - it’s a call to action for all of us to dream bigger, act bolder, and continue aiming for excellence in the Baltics and beyond. Together, we are making magic happen - one breakthrough, one patient, one team at a time. 💪🌍

24/09/2025

🩺 Latvia’s people have spoken: healthcare is the nation’s top priority for next year’s budget!

35% of Latvians believe health should be at the center of government focus - far ahead of economic development or security - according to the new “Health Economics Barometer 2025” survey, presented by Inovācijas Veselībā (Association of International Research-based Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers in Latvia) and partners.

Yet the data also highlight urgent challenges:

• 77.2% cite long waiting for doctors and specialists
• 61.5% say state-funded services are insufficient
• 36.8% are concerned about medicine accessibility and price
• 41% skipped care due to financial reasons
• State healthcare spending is just 4.6% of GDP, (target: 6% by 2027)

At Novartis, we believe that strategic investment in healthcare is not just a moral imperative, but a driver of national resilience and economic growth. The Draghi report on EU competitiveness explicitly highlights the pharmaceutical sector as one of the top three strategic sectors for the EU’s future, calling for increased investment and innovation.

Yet Latvia continues to lag behind in key health indicators:

• 642 days to medicine availability (EU avg: 578 days)
• Only 31 innovative medicines availability (EU avg; 80)
• Healthy life years: 52.7 years (EU avg: 63.1)
• Preventable and treatable mortality per 100k: 543 (EU avg: 258)

“The government needs to be bold and take a decision to invest in healthcare. The evidence is clear: investing in health delivers high returns for the national economy and strengthens society’s resilience—including for defense. Latvia must acknowledge this and act now.” - Liene Silina, Country Business Head Latvia, Chairwoman of SIFFA.

Let’s work together - industry, government, and society - to ensure every person in Latvia has access to the care they need.

🏥

19/09/2025

Novartis Baltics joined Life Sciences Baltics, the leading life sciences conference in the region. 🔬

Our session, “From Promise to Progress: Radiopharmaceuticals Shaping the Future of Oncology”, gathered experts from clinics, academia and policymakers to discuss Lithuanian healthcare readiness for emerging radioligand therapies (RLTs). 🧬

Session participants highlighted that RLTs are a breakthrough shift in precision oncology, as highly effective cancer treatments, making their availability a priority. These therapies' innovation in this field calls for coordinated efforts and strong institutional partnerships. Their successful adoption requires systemic progress in regulation, infrastructure, and workforce capacity. National health leaders emphasize readiness for regulation, trust in scientific expertise, and a strategic focus on investing in transformative medical innovation - innovation that enables people to return to their families, communities, and economies with longer, healthier lives.

Ben Gommers, Novartis Executive Director Public Affairs, Western European Cluster said: “Only by working together across sectors can we make a difference. We must ensure that patients have affordable and easy access to treatment.”

We are thankful to all speakers for advancing this important dialogue on the future of oncology care.

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Novartis Baltics