Holzkirchen, Germany, January 16, 2008 – Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, announced today that it was fully cooperating with the European Commission in its investigation of the pharmaceuticals industry. Commission officials made an unannounced visit on January 15 to search the offices of Sandoz companies in Holzkirchen. Based on documents presented by Commission officials to Sandoz, the investigation focuses on the market entry of innovative and generic pharmaceutical products. Sandoz intends to continue cooperating with the Commission in its investigation.