The reported $6.22 million in lobbying expenditures by Novartis in 2024 demonstrates a substantial effort to influence political decision-making. Such spending can create imbalances in democratic processes by prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare, thus posing risks to transparency and accountability in policy making.

Novartis AG Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

The planned job cuts, affecting a significant number of positions in both Switzerland and the US, indicate a negative impact on worker security and labor relations. Although Novartis has outlined social measures such as severance payments and career support, the downsizing is detrimental to employee stability, a core concern from a labor rights perspective.

Pharma: Novartis announces job cuts in the development division

The announcement of significant layoffs in Novartis' development unit undermines job security and worker rights. With approximately 680 positions at risk, this move suggests a prioritization of cost-cutting over the welfare and stability of its workforce, which raises concerns from a labor rights perspective.

Amid restructuring, Novartis plots layoffs in development group

The significant number of lobbyists transitioning from government roles increases the risk of regulatory capture, undermining robust oversight and accountability. This overlap can facilitate policies that favor corporate interests over the needs of the public.

Novartis AG Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The detailed risk mapping for external partners, the use of targeted questionnaires (TPQ), and the establishment of corrective action plans highlight Novartis's commitment to enhancing supply chain ethics, ensuring that labor rights standards are enforced even among high‐risk suppliers.

Human rights - Novartis

Novartis CEO Narasimhan’s public statement outlining potential legislative strategies to reverse parts of the Inflation Reduction Act reflects active executive political engagement aimed at reshaping drug pricing regulations in favor of corporate interests. This could undermine protections for consumers and the public, thereby aligning with corporate efforts to influence policy in ways that potentially stifle progressive reforms.

Novartis CEO Narasimhan Suggests Possible Legislative Action To Reverse Inflation Reduction Act’s Impact On Drug Prices: What Can And Can’t Be Done

By publicly releasing a detailed human rights commitment that emphasizes the protection of civic space and a non-intimidatory approach towards human rights defenders, Novartis is taking a clear stance in support of open dialogue and ethical public behavior. This enhances transparency and accountability in its public and political engagements.

PDF Human Rights Commitment Statement - Novartis

Novartis engaged in unethical business practices by orchestrating schemes to funnel money through copay assistance foundations and speaker programs to drive drug prescriptions. This behavior is indicative of a corporate culture that prioritizes profit over ethical responsibility, ultimately harming patients and the integrity of the healthcare system.

Novartis Pays Over $642 Million to Settle Allegations of Improper Payments to Patients and Physicians

Novartis's admission of error in directing funds to Michael Cohen—despite having agreed to enforce strict anti-corruption protocols under a 2016 SEC settlement—reflects a significant breach of ethical business practices. This disregard for established anti-corruption standards undermines corporate accountability and public trust.

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Presses Swiss Pharmaceutical Giant Novartis to Ensure Improper Company Actions Aren’t Pushing Up U.S. Prescription Drug Prices