Novartis congratulates the Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Society of Canada for
the creation of CML Awareness Day

DORVAL, QC, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - Today is a meaningful milestone for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients and their families.

Thanks to the CML Society of Canada, a not-for-profit patient education and support organization, September 22^nd has been declared CML Awareness Day in Canada. Joy Smith, Member of Parliament and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, has recognized this day in the House of Commons and supports the efforts of the CML Society of Canada. Novartis congratulates the CML Society for their creation and recognition of this important day.

CML is one of four types of leukemia.  It is the first cancer for which scientists were able to identify the genetic anomaly involved - the Philadelphia chromosome - a discovery that led to the development of the first targeted cancer therapy. The date of September 22^nd (09/22) was chosen for CML Awareness Day because the Philadelphia chromosome is formed when chromosomes 9 and 22 exchange some of their genetic material.

"We are proud to support CML Awareness Day to promote leukemia awareness and education," says Alain Dostie, General Manager of Oncology at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "Novartis will continue its development of innovative treatment options that allow patients to effectively manage their cancer and is committed to pursuing its important research into finding a cure for CML."

About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. conducts hundreds of clinical trials across the country seeking new treatments for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, ophthalmology and organ transplantation. In 2009, the company invested close to $110 million in research and development. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs more than 750 people in Canada and its headquarters are located in Dorval, Québec. In addition to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., the Novartis Group in Canada consists of Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc., Novartis Consumer Health Canada Inc., CIBA Vision Canada Inc. and Sandoz Canada Inc. For further information about Novartis Canada, please consult www.novartis.ca.

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