The merger in 1996 of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz created Novartis which is now one of the world’s largest pharma companies in terms of both sales and market capitalisation. Novartis and the predecessor companies have an impressive history of innovation and sustained business success. Their visionary approach to the discovery and development of important products has been sustained and bodes well for the future. The BV judging panel confirms with pleasure the 2015 award Most Visionary Pharmaceutical Company Switzerland in the name of Novartis.