Novartis interacts with a number of groups which represent patients in Australia. Patient groups play a crucial role by informing and supporting patients, as well as safeguarding the rights of patients and caregivers. Furthermore, these groups provide pharmaceutical companies with important advice from a patient’s perspective.

Novartis adheres to the following values when working with patient support groups:

• Novartis recognises the independence of patient support groups and commits to safeguarding this independence.
• Novartis strives to achieve mutual trust and respect with patient support groups - with each party recognising the objectives of the other.
• Novartis works with patient support groups to improve the quality of people's lives.

We are committed to working with patient groups ethically and transparently while respecting their integrity. To ensure transparency, we disclose the names of patient groups in Australia, Europe, the US and international groups that have received funding or non-monetary support from Novartis during 2007. This list will be updated at the beginning of each year.

Australian Patient Support Groups which have received support from Novartis during 2007

• Arthritis Australia
• Arthritis NSW
• Australian Pituitary Foundation
• Australian Red Cross Blood Service LIFEGift
• Australian Thalassaemia Association
• Breast Cancer Network Australia
• GIST Support
• Learning and Attentional Disorders Society WA
• Leukaemia Foundation
• Macular Degeneration Foundation of Australia
• Myeloma Foundation of Australia
• Parkinson’s Australia
• Parkinson’s NSW
• Parkinson’s QLD
• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
• Transplant Australia

For information relating to Europe, the US and international groups, please visit www.novartis.com