Novartis receives global CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation

Novartis has announced that it has received global CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation from the non-profit organisation CEO Roundtable on Cancer.

The group – which consists of chief executive officers (CEOs) from various organisations who are dedicated to combating cancer – have bestowed Novartis with this honour based on its efforts to enhance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

It is the first company to receive this accreditation worldwide, with its original US-centric designation having been expanded thanks to the various health programmes it has recently launched in Portugal, the Philippines, Japan and Brazil.

Novartis' oncology strategy is focused on unmet medical needs and knowledge of disease pathways, leveraging biomarkers and targeted drug development focused on individual patients.

Joseph Jimenez, chief executive officer of Novartis, said: "Our efforts for our associates, which are recognised by this designation, are an extension of our goal to redefine cancer for all patients."

Last month, the company raised its financial guidance for the 2013 business year, based on the better-than-expected results it achieved during the first half.