NOVARTIS timeline

1996

Novartis is created through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz.

Novartis ups its owndership of Roche stock to just under 33 percent.

2002

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research opens as the firm's new global HQ.

2004

The Novartis Institute for Tropical Disease opens in Singapore, focusing on dengue and TB.

2005

Novartis nabs Hexel and Eon Labs, establishing Sandoz as the global no. 2 generics firm.

2005

Novartis agrees to acquires British vaccine maker Chiron for $5.1 billion.

2006

Novartis plans a biomedical R&D center in Shanghai.

2006

The EU approves Sandoz's Omnitrope, the first-ever biosimilars product.

2007

Novartis sells Gerber and its medical nutrition business to Nestle for $8 billion.

2008

Novartis agrees to buy a majority share in eye-care company Alcon for $28.2 billion.

2008

The Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health opens, focusing on neglected diseases.

2009

On October 1, Novartis says it has begun delivery of its first batches of H1N1 flu vax to US.