Gal’s strategy for Novartis includes thoughtful mergers and acquisitions that align with the company’s core therapeutic areas and values. By focusing on professionalized growth and pursuing external opportunities, Novartis aims to keep its pipeline strong and innovative.
One of the key deals that Gal helped facilitate was the acquisition of Chinook Therapeutics, which closed in 2023. This deal, worth up to $3.5 billion, brought two late-stage kidney disease drugs to Novartis, aligning with the company’s focus on cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic areas. The acquisition not only added valuable assets to Novartis but also allowed the company to leverage its commercial muscle to enhance the value of those assets.
Gal believes that adding value to acquired assets through Novartis’ capabilities is crucial for successful mergers and acquisitions. This approach allows Novartis to pay a premium for assets, like the Chinook deal, because the company can maximize the potential of those assets better than others in the industry.
Gal emphasizes the importance of taking scientific risks and thinking long-term about the value that Novartis can provide through strategic acquisitions. By focusing on core therapeutic areas and making informed decisions about mergers and acquisitions, Novartis aims to stay at the forefront of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Novartis, a leading pharmaceutical company, recently completed a purchase that resulted in the formation of a spinoff company called Borealis Biosciences. This new venture, comprised of a group of talented scientists from Novartis, is dedicated to the continued research and development of innovative new drugs.
According to Gal, the mastermind behind this strategic move, the creation of Borealis was driven by the desire to harness the expertise and creativity of the scientists involved, enabling them to pursue groundbreaking discoveries in the field of drug development.
In addition to this exciting development, Novartis is actively exploring another acquisition in the renal space, although details about this potential deal remain confidential at this time.
The company’s commitment to growth and innovation is further exemplified by their ongoing pursuit of bolt-on acquisitions, with a total of 30 deals completed in 2024 alone. This trend is set to continue in 2025, with a focus on early-stage opportunities that align with Novartis’ strategic objectives.
Under Gal’s strategic leadership, Novartis has already made significant strides in 2025 with the acquisitions of Anthos Therapeutics and Regulus Therapeutics. These transactions have bolstered Novartis’ portfolio in key therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular health and kidney disease.
Novartis has a history of being at the forefront of scientific advancements, having previously invested in gene therapy, RNA medicine, and cell therapy. By prioritizing high-quality, scientifically-driven deals, the company has established itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
Looking ahead, Novartis is exploring new frontiers in radioligand therapy, cardiovascular drug development, and immune reset therapies. These innovative approaches reflect the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and addressing evolving challenges in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
Gal emphasizes the importance of agility and decisive action in the face of increasing competition and rapid changes in the industry. Leveraging the deep scientific expertise within Novartis, he is able to make informed decisions that drive the company’s growth and success.
The collaborative culture at Novartis, characterized by a wealth of knowledge and expertise, provides a fertile ground for learning and innovation. Gal highlights the value of being able to tap into this wealth of resources, which has been instrumental in his own professional development and the company’s continued success.
In conclusion, Novartis continues to demonstrate its commitment to scientific excellence, strategic growth, and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Through strategic acquisitions, investment in cutting-edge research, and a culture of collaboration and expertise, the company is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of healthcare.
