, a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company founded in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, is a leader in the healthcare industry with a focus on innovative medicines, eye care, and generics. Novartis has a robust portfolio of products spanning various therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and rare diseases. Notable achievements include the development of breakthrough drugs like Gleevec for chronic myeloid leukemia and Gilenya for multiple sclerosis. In the orphan drug market, Novartis has made significant strides with medications such as Exjade for iron overload and Afinitor for certain types of tumors. Recent developments include advancements in gene therapies and biosimilars, reflecting Novartis's commitment to pioneering treatments and improving patient outcomes. With its dedication to research, development, and patient-centric innovation, Novartis remains a pivotal player in addressing unmet medical needs and providing hope for patients with rare diseases., Explore the top 10 companies driving the orphan drug market in 2024. Learn about their contributions to rare disease treatment, innovations, and market impact., The research also notes that M&A deals have been the primary way in which big pharma companies secure these orphan drug designations, with very few rare disease drugs being developed in-house..