The Swiss-based multinational pharma research giant Novartis AG will continue its efforts to complement the company's existing R&D portfolio by outsourcing from the external opportunities, says Dr Victor Hartmann, Head of Global Business Development, Novartis Pharma, Switzerland.

Speaking at Pharmacophore 2004 held recently at Hyderabad on 'Innovative Drugs and the Role of Partnering- Novartis Perspective', Dr Victor mentioned that Novartis sees a lot of potential in in-licensing and out-licensing of internal projects, partnering for internal projects, contract manufacturing and acquisitions both partial and complete.

"Pharma companies should carefully choose the partners to enable growth and the partnership opportunities continue to be available today. Competition for partnerships is increasing day by day. Organisation, skills, capacities and cultural fit are the factors that are key to concluding transactions," he added.

Looking at external opportunities, licensor's perspective has to be evaluated on the basis of R&D capabilities, regulatory relationships, commercial capabilities, global research, flexibility, financial resources and cultural fit, he added.

Talking on other developments at Novartis, Dr Victor said that Novartis has set up Novartis Institute of Tropical Diseases at Singapore to discover novel treatments and prevention methods for major tropical diseases, with an initial focus on dengue fever and tuberculosis.

Novartis as of July 2003 had 77 compounds, which were moving from Phase II to Registration Phase. And, 11 other compounds have been approved by FDA in the year 2003. He said that the company has ranked No.1 in physician access in the US. It is planning to add 1000 scientists in the next two years.