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  4. Exelon
Exelon logo
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Who Owns Exelon?

Exelon is a brand name owned by Novartis AG (SIX: NOVN, NASDAQ: NVS), the Swiss pharmaceutical company. Novartis developed rivastigmine internally and received FDA approval in 1997. The Exelon Patch, approved in 2007, remains the primary branded formulation as generic rivastigmine capsules and oral solution are widely available. Novartis spun off its generics division Sandoz as an independent company in October 2023, but retained the Exelon brand within its Innovative Medicines division. Oral Exelon formulations have been discontinued in some markets, including France, where the transdermal patch is now the primary available formulation.

Parent Company

Novartis

Founded

1997

Status

Publicly Traded

Headquarters

Basel, Switzerland

Exelon Timeline

1996
Novartis

Parent company established in Basel, Switzerland

Company Founded
1997

Exelon

Founded by Novartis (internal development)

Founded
GlobalOfficial Website

Who Owns Exelon?

  • Parent Company: Novartis
  • Ownership Type: Wholly owned
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock Ticker: SIX: NOVN
BrandParent CompanyOwnership Type
ExelonNovartisWholly owned

Where to Buy

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AmazonExelon on Amazon

History of Exelon

  • Founded: 1997
  • Founders: Novartis (internal development)

Rivastigmine, the active compound marketed as Exelon, was developed by Sandoz Pharma Ltd. in Basel, Switzerland, as part of a research program targeting the cholinergic deficit hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease. The hypothesis, which gained scientific consensus during the 1970s and 1980s, proposed that the cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer's disease was partly attributable to the loss of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, resulting in reduced levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Researchers at Sandoz identified rivastigmine as a selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, the enzymes responsible for breaking down acetylcholine.

The development of rivastigmine proceeded through the 1980s and into the early 1990s, a period that coincided with the 1996 merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz to form Novartis AG. The newly formed Novartis inherited the rivastigmine development program and advanced it through Phase III clinical trials. The pivotal trials demonstrated statistically significant improvements in cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease compared to placebo.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Exelon (rivastigmine) capsules on April 21, 1997, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. This approval made rivastigmine one of the first cholinesterase inhibitors to receive regulatory clearance in the United States, alongside donepezil (Aricept, approved 1996) and tacrine (Cognex, approved 1993 but later withdrawn due to hepatotoxicity). The European Medicines Agency granted approval in the same period.

In 2000, Novartis received approval for Exelon oral solution, improving dosing flexibility for patients who had difficulty swallowing capsules. The drug's label was expanded in 2006 to include treatment of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease.

The most significant formulation development was the Exelon Patch, a transdermal rivastigmine delivery system approved by the FDA in July 2007. The patch offered more consistent plasma drug concentrations, reduced gastrointestinal side effects, and simplified once-daily administration. In 2013, the FDA approved a higher-dose 13.3 mg/24h patch for patients with severe Alzheimer's disease, making Exelon Patch the first transdermal therapy approved across all stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Generic rivastigmine capsules and oral solution became available following patent expiry, with multiple manufacturers receiving FDA approval. Sandoz, then still part of Novartis, also marketed generic rivastigmine. Following the October 2023 Sandoz spin-off, generic rivastigmine is sold by Sandoz as an independent company, while Novartis retains the branded Exelon Patch.

In several markets, Novartis has discontinued the oral formulations of Exelon (capsules and oral solution) due to the availability of generic equivalents and the clinical preference for the transdermal patch. In France, for example, Exelon capsules and oral solution have been discontinued, and the Exelon Patch is the primary branded formulation available. This trend reflects the broader strategy of focusing branded marketing on the patch formulation, where clinical differentiation and brand recognition support continued commercial value.

About Novartis

What does Novartis own?
Novartis owns a portfolio of innovative prescription medicines across oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and ophthalmology. Key products include Cosentyx (inflammatory diseases), Entresto (heart failure), Kisqali (breast cancer), Kesimpta (multiple sclerosis), Leqvio (cholesterol), Zolgensma (gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy), Pluvicto (prostate cancer radioligand therapy), and Kymriah (CAR-T cell therapy). Novartis spun off its Sandoz generics division in 2023 and its Alcon eye care division in 2019, both of which are now independent publicly listed companies.

Is Novartis publicly traded?
Yes, Novartis AG is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under ticker NOVN and on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker NVS (as American Depositary Receipts). The company has a broad institutional and retail shareholder base with no single controlling shareholder. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Norges Bank Investment Management. The Novartis Foundation for Employee Participation also holds a significant stake.

What is Novartis's revenue?
Novartis reported FY2025 net sales of $50.3 billion, up 12% year over year (17% in constant currencies). Core operating income grew 15% (19% in constant currencies). For 2026, the company guides net sales growth of high single digits and core operating income growth of low double digits. The long-term outlook through 2030 calls for 5% net sales growth and 7% core operating income growth. Revenue is primarily generated from prescription medicine sales in more than 140 countries.

Who founded Novartis?
Novartis was formed in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, two of Switzerland's oldest pharmaceutical companies. Ciba-Geigy itself was formed through the 1970 merger of Ciba (founded 1859) and Geigy (founded 1758), both based in Basel. Sandoz was founded in 1886 in Basel. The 1996 merger, valued at approximately $63 billion, was one of the largest corporate mergers in history at the time. The name Novartis comes from the Latin "novae artes," meaning "new skills."

Where is Novartis headquartered?
Novartis AG is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Basel has been the center of the Swiss pharmaceutical industry for more than a century, and both Novartis and Roche, another major pharmaceutical company, are headquartered in the city. Novartis operates manufacturing and research facilities in Switzerland, the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, India, Singapore, and Brazil, and sells products in more than 140 countries worldwide.

Who is the CEO of Novartis?
Vas Narasimhan has served as CEO of Novartis since February 2018. He is a physician by training and has emphasized data science, digital health, and a focused innovative medicines strategy during his tenure. Under his leadership, Novartis spun off Sandoz (2023) and Alcon (2019), transforming the company from a diversified healthcare conglomerate into a focused innovative medicines company. Joerg Reinhardt chairs the board of directors.

What is Novartis's market position?
Novartis is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue, with FY2025 net sales of $50.3 billion. The company competes against Roche, Pfizer, AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, and Eli Lilly. Its FY2025 constant-currency sales growth of 17% outpaced many large-cap pharmaceutical peers. The company's long-term outlook of 5% net sales growth through 2030 positions it among the faster-growing companies in the large-cap pharmaceutical sector.

  • Founded: 1996
  • Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock: SIX: NOVN
  • Revenue: $50.3B (FY2025)
  • Employees: ~78,000

Visit Novartis website

View full company profile for Novartis

Where Is Exelon Made / Based?

  • Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland

Exelon Categories & Tags

NeurologyAlzheimersDementiaPrescription DrugCholinesterase Inhibitor

Exelon Sustainability & Ethics

As a prescription pharmaceutical product, Exelon's sustainability and ethical practices are governed by Novartis's corporate sustainability framework.

Manufacturing Standards: Novartis maintains cGMP compliance across all manufacturing sites, with regular inspections by the FDA, EMA, and other health authorities. The company has set environmental targets for its manufacturing operations, including carbon reduction and waste reduction goals.

Clinical Trial Ethics: Exelon's clinical development followed international standards for ethical research, including informed consent, institutional review board oversight, and transparent reporting of results. Post-marketing surveillance continues through Novartis's pharmacovigilance systems.

Patient Access: Novartis offers patient assistance programs for Exelon Patch in markets where it is commercially available, providing financial support to eligible patients who cannot afford their prescriptions. Coverage under Medicare Part D and commercial insurance varies by plan.

Pharmacovigilance: Novartis maintains ongoing safety monitoring for Exelon through its global pharmacovigilance system, reporting adverse events to regulatory authorities and updating product labels as needed.

Exelon Recalls & Controversies

Efficacy Limitations: Exelon and other cholinesterase inhibitors provide modest symptomatic benefits and do not slow or reverse the underlying progression of Alzheimer's disease. This limitation has become more prominent with the approval of disease-modifying therapies (lecanemab, donanemab) that demonstrate the ability to slow disease progression. Some clinicians and patient advocacy groups have questioned whether cholinesterase inhibitors should remain first-line therapy given the availability of newer treatments, though clinical guidelines continue to recommend them.

Generic Competition and Pricing: Following patent expiry on oral rivastigmine, generic manufacturers entered the market, significantly reducing the cost of oral formulations. Novartis's branded Exelon Patch commands a premium price relative to generic alternatives, which has drawn scrutiny from payers and health technology assessment bodies in some markets. In the United States, Exelon Patch has been subject to Medicare Part D formulary tiering that may increase patient cost-sharing relative to generic alternatives.

Oral Formulation Discontinuations: Novartis's decision to discontinue Exelon capsules and oral solution in several markets, including France, has been criticized by some patient groups who prefer oral formulations or cannot use transdermal patches due to skin sensitivity. The discontinuations have forced some patients to switch to generic oral rivastigmine or alternative cholinesterase inhibitors, which may have different dosing regimens and side effect profiles.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Oral rivastigmine is associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors. The transdermal patch formulation was developed to address this issue, but some patients who cannot tolerate the patch or prefer oral dosing have limited branded options following the discontinuation of oral Exelon in certain markets.

Sandoz Spin-off Impact: The October 2023 spin-off of Sandoz created a situation where Novartis's branded Exelon and Sandoz's generic rivastigmine are sold by competing companies. Some observers have noted the irony of a former parent company competing with its spun-off generics division, though this is a common outcome of pharmaceutical corporate restructuring.

Brands Owned by Novartis

CosentyxHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Cosentyx

Owned by Novartis

Prescription biologic medication treating psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions.

biologicautoimmunepsoriasis
EntrestoHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Entresto

Owned by Novartis

Prescription cardiovascular medication combining sacubitril and valsartan for treating heart failure, developed and marketed by Novartis. Faced generic competition after July 2025 patent expiry following $7.7 billion in 2025 sales.

cardiovascularheart-failureprescription
SandozHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Sandoz

Owned by Novartis

Global leader in generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals, spun off from Novartis in October 2023 and publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SDZ), reporting FY 2025 net sales of USD 11.1 billion with biosimilars accounting for 30% of total sales.

genericsbiosimilarspharmaceuticals
View all brands owned by Novartis

Exelon Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • +Novartis's global regulatory infrastructure enables Exelon to maintain marketing authorizations across more than 100 countries
  • +The Exelon Patch formulation retains clinical differentiation through its transdermal delivery mechanism, offering documented tolerability advantages over oral rivastigmine
  • +Decades of post-marketing safety data and physician familiarity support continued prescribing in clinical settings
  • +Novartis's pharmacovigilance and medical affairs infrastructure ensures ongoing label maintenance and regulatory compliance

Considerations

  • -Generic rivastigmine from multiple manufacturers has substantially eroded branded Exelon's market share in oral formulations
  • -The approval of disease-modifying Alzheimer's therapies (lecanemab, donanemab) has shifted clinical and investor attention away from symptomatic treatments
  • -Exelon addresses symptoms rather than the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease
  • -Discontinuation of oral formulations in some markets has reduced the brand's product range
  • -Reimbursement pressures in major markets create ongoing pricing headwinds for branded products with available generic alternatives
  • -The Sandoz spin-off means Novartis no longer controls the generic version of its own product

Frequently Asked Questions About Exelon

Sources & Further Reading

  • [Novartis Official Website](
  • [Novartis: Sandoz Spin-off Information](
  • [FDA: Exelon Approval Information](
  • [Alzheimer's Association: Treatment Options](
  • [American Academy of Neurology](
  • [European Medicines Agency: Exelon](
  • [Sandoz Official Website](

Competitors to Exelon

No direct competitors found in the same category. This could be because Exelonoperates in a unique market segment or we're still building our competitor database.

Independent Alternatives to Exelon

Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Novartis, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.

Pharmacy DirectHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Pharmacy Direct

Owned by Chempro Chemists

Australian online pharmacy operated by Chempro Chemists from Molendinar, Queensland. Offers prescription medications, health products, and wellness items through digital platforms and mail-order delivery.

online-pharmacymail-orderdigital-health
Privately Owned

Pharmacy Direct is privately owned, unlike Exelon which is under a publicly traded parent company.

RetavaseHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Retavase

Owned by EKR Therapeutics, Inc.

Retavase (reteplase) is a prescription thrombolytic medication indicated for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Administered as two 10-unit intravenous bolus injections 30 minutes apart. Currently marketed by Chiesi USA.

pharmaceuticalthrombolyticreteplase
Privately Owned

Retavase is privately owned, unlike Exelon which is under a publicly traded parent company.

TirosintHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Tirosint

Owned by IBSA Institut Biochimique S.A.

IBSA Institut Biochimique SA's branded levothyroxine softgel capsule (Tirosint) and liquid solution (Tirosint-SOL), FDA approved for hypothyroidism, formulated without dyes, gluten, lactose, alcohol, or sugar, providing an excipient-free alternative to conventional levothyroxine tablets for patients with sensitivities or absorption issues.

levothyroxinehypothyroidismthyroid
Privately Owned

Tirosint is privately owned, unlike Exelon which is under a publicly traded parent company.

AlconHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Alcon

Owned by Alcon Inc.

Independent publicly traded global eye care company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in surgical equipment, contact lenses, and ophthalmic products. Spun off from Novartis in April 2019.

eye-carecontact-lensesophthalmic
Publicly Traded

Alcon operates independently without a large parent corporation.

Bausch + LombHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

Bausch + Lomb

Owned by Bausch + Lomb Corporation

Global eye health company and contact lens manufacturer founded in 1853, known for ULTRA, Biotrue One Day, and INFUSE lens lines. Public on NYSE and TSX under BLCO.

contact-lensesvision-carebausch-lomb
Publicly Traded

Bausch + Lomb operates independently without a large parent corporation.

GE HealthCareHealthcare Pharmaceuticals

GE HealthCare

Owned by GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.

Independent publicly traded healthcare technology company spun off from General Electric in January 2023, providing medical imaging, diagnostics, and healthcare IT solutions globally.

healthcare-technologymedical-imagingdiagnostics
Publicly Traded

GE HealthCare operates independently without a large parent corporation.

Novartis Stock Information

Jobs at Novartis

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Last reviewed: August 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Who Brands Editorial Team