Who Owns Gilenya?
Gilenya is owned by Novartis, a publicly traded Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company. Gilenya is Novartis's multiple sclerosis treatment. Novartis is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and trades on SIX (NOVN) and NASDAQ (NVS).
Parent Company
Novartis
Founded
2010
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Basel, Switzerland
Who Owns Gilenya?
- Parent Company: Novartis
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: SIX: NOVN
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gilenya | Novartis | Wholly owned |
History of Gilenya
- Founded: 2010
- Founders: Novartis (internal development)
Gilenya was developed by Novartis through extensive research into multiple sclerosis treatment mechanisms. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2010 as the first oral treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Gilenya represented a significant breakthrough in MS therapy, offering patients an oral alternative to injectable treatments.
The development of Gilenya involved years of research into sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulation, a novel approach to treating MS. Novartis conducted extensive clinical trials demonstrating the drug's efficacy in reducing MS relapses and disability progression. Gilenya quickly became one of the most prescribed MS medications globally.
Following its initial approval, Gilenya expanded its clinical use with approvals for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The drug's proven benefits in reducing relapses and slowing disease progression made it a standard treatment option for MS patients. Gilenya became one of Novartis's most successful neurology products.
In recent years, Gilenya has continued to maintain its position as a leading MS treatment. The drug has been approved in numerous countries worldwide and has become a cornerstone therapy for multiple sclerosis management. Gilenya remains one of the leading MS medications in the market.
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), and Kymriah (CAR-T cell therapy). Novartis spun off its Sandoz generics division in 2023 and its Alcon eye care division in 2019.
Is Novartis publicly traded?
Yes, Novartis AG is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under ticker NOVN and on NASDAQ 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 and BlackRock.
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 and Geigy, both founded in Basel in the 19th century. Sandoz was founded in 1886 in Basel. The 1996 merger was one of the largest corporate mergers in history at the time, valued at approximately $63 billion.
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 Novartis, Roche, and several other major pharmaceutical companies 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.
How many products does Novartis sell?
Novartis sells dozens of prescription medicines across multiple therapeutic areas. The company's growth portfolio is led by Cosentyx, Entresto, Kisqali, Kesimpta, Leqvio, Zolgensma, and Kymriah. Novartis has a pipeline of more than 150 projects in clinical development across its therapeutic focus areas. The company sells products in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Who owns Novartis?
Novartis AG is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange and NASDAQ with a broad institutional and retail shareholder base. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake. The Novartis Foundation for Employee Participation holds a significant stake. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group and BlackRock. Vas Narasimhan serves as CEO and Joerg Reinhardt chairs the board.
- Founded: 1996
- Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: SIX: NOVN
Where Is Gilenya Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
- Manufacturing / Operations: Switzerland, Germany, United States
Brands Owned by Novartis
- Afinitor - Prescription oncology medication for treating various cancers including renal ce...
- Alcon - Global leader in eye care products and surgical equipment, specializing in conta...
- Cosentyx - Prescription biologic medication for treating autoimmune diseases including psor...
- Exelon - Brand name for rivastigmine, a prescription cholinesterase inhibitor developed b...
- Lamisil - Over-the-counter antifungal medication for treating fungal infections including ...
- Lucentis - Prescription biologic medication for treating age-related macular degeneration a...
- Otrivin - Over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray for relieving nasal congestion from co...
- Sandoz - Independent global leader in generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals, spun off fr...
- Tasigna - Prescription oncology medication for treating chronic myeloid leukemia, owned by...
- Theraflu - Over-the-counter cold and flu relief medication combining multiple active ingred...
- Voltaren - Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief brand containing diclofenac, owne...
Gilenya Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +First oral treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- +Proven efficacy in reducing MS relapses and disability progression
- +Convenient oral dosing compared to injectable MS treatments
- +Backed by extensive clinical research and safety data
- +Supported by Novartis's research capabilities and pharmaceutical expertise
- +Available globally with established distribution networks
- +Improved quality of life for MS patients
Considerations
- -High cost as a prescription MS medication
- -Requires regular monitoring by healthcare professionals
- -Potential for serious infections due to immune suppression
- -Not suitable for patients with certain cardiac or infection conditions
- -Requires initial observation period after first dose
- -Competition from other MS medications
- -Potential for adverse effects in some patients
Frequently Asked Questions About Gilenya
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