With the help of Lek, a Sandoz company, mountain rescue operations will be easier

28. 5. 2014

On Wednesday, 28 May, Lek, a Sandoz company, joined the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia (MRAS) as its long-term partner at the conference for journalists, where MRAS presented to the Slovenian public its activities for the current year, gave advice for safe hiking in the mountains during the summer months and presented a leaflet with advice in the event of an accident in the mountains and rescue intervention.

Mountain rescue team members save lives in the mountains and other inaccessible terrain and use in their work, in addition to other life-saving equipment, also defibrillators. At Lek, a Sandoz company, where healthcare comes first, we responded immediately to the call for help and by donating 4,000 EUR enabled the MRAS the purchase of urgently needed defibrillator and rescue equipment.

»At Lek, a Sandoz company, we provide access to high-quality medicines for as many patients as possible and thereby help people around the world to ensure long-term access to healthcare. We are also aware that at some point in life anyone can find himself in a situation where it is necessary to act quickly and appropriately to help fellow mankind, therefore we are happy to support the noble work of the mountain rescue teams. With the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia we have already collaborated in the project Children Learn to Help, which was dedicated to raise awareness of children in kindergartens and primary schools, teach them how to prevent accidents and how to react in case they happen. The donation for the purchase of the defibrillator and additional rescue equipment is the upgrade of our collaboration which will make mountain rescue operations easier,« said Mojca Pavlin from Corporate Communication at the press conference.

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Lek, a Sandoz company, is one of key pillars of the second-largest generic pharmaceutical company globally. Its role within Sandoz is to act as: a leading global development center for products and technologies; a global manufacturing center for active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines; a competence center for the development of vertically integrated products; a Sandoz competence center in the field of development and manufacturing of biosimilar products; and, a supply center for the markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), South East Europe (SEE) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and it is responsible for sales on the Slovenian market. For further information please visit http://www.lek.si/en.

Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, is a global leader in the generic pharmaceutical sector. Sandoz employs over 26,500 employees and its products are available in more than 160 countries, offering a broad range of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents. With USD 9.2 billion in sales in 2013, Sandoz has a portfolio of approximately 1,100 molecules, and holds the #1 position globally in biosimilars as well as in generic injectables, ophthalmics, dermatology and antibiotics, complemented by leading positions in the cardiovascular, metabolism, central nervous system, pain, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and hormonal therapeutic areas. Sandoz develops, produces, and markets these medicines, as well as active pharmaceutical and biotechnological substances. Nearly half of Sandoz’s portfolio is in differentiated products, which are defined as products that are more difficult to scientifically develop and manufacture than standard generics.
In addition to strong organic growth since consolidating its generics businesses under the Sandoz brand name in 2003, Sandoz has benefitted from strong growth of its acquisitions, which include Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria), Oriel Therapeutics (US), and Fougera Pharmaceuticals (US).
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Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 135,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.novartis.com.

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This press release contains statements and conclusions based on projections of Lek’s future business operations. These estimates are derived from the best information currently available. In case these forecasts prove unreliable, the actual results could prove different from those projected.

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For additional information contact:
Katarina Klemenc
Corporate Communications
Lek Pharmaceuticals d. d.
Phone: +386 1 580 22 43
Fax: +386 1 580 24 32
katarina.klemenc@sandoz.com