BBJ: 2024 was an eventful year for Novartis Hungary. What were some of the key achievements?

Colette Matz: It was an incredible year for Novartis Hungary, and I am proud of the accomplishments of the entire organization. We are particularly proud of maintaining our #1 position in the innovative pharma sector in Hungary. We launched new groundbreaking therapies for Hungarian citizens in oncology, cardiology, and neurology that are already significantly impacting patient outcomes. Our commitment to innovation is also reflected in the 15% increase in our R&D investments locally. Additionally, I’m proud of our partnerships to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment in Hungary. For example, the launch of the Lipid Management Center in collaboration with Semmelweis University is a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming cardiovascular health in Hungary. This center serves as a beacon of hope for countless Hungarians at risk of or suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

BBJ: Can you elaborate on your focus on innovation and digital transformation and how these initiatives have impacted your operations?

CM: Digital health and data have become integral to our daily operations. For example, our multi-stakeholder dialogue with the Hungarian Government, including Deputy Secretary for Health Judit Bidló and Deputy Secretary for Innovation László Bódis, in Basel last summer, was particularly enriching. We discussed how AI is reshaping patient support and clinical trials. We’re also thrilled about our partnership with the SzEFA Foundation to develop “Dr. BetMen,” a digital patient journey management tool to improve care pathways and outcomes, especially concerning women’s health. These efforts highlight our commitment to integrating digital technologies into healthcare, ensuring we stay at the forefront of medical innovation while providing better patient outcomes.

BBJ: Looking ahead to this year, what are your key priorities and goals?

CM: Our priorities for 2025 revolve around several key areas. One significant focus is the implementation of the European cardiovascular legislation. We look forward to its adoption in Hungary, which will significantly enhance cardiovascular health standards nationwide. This legislation will support our mission of improving patient outcomes in cardiovascular health. Moreover, we will continue our disease awareness initiatives, particularly in helping Hungarian citizens know and understand their health numbers by supporting health screening events, which are crucial for the early detection and prevention of diseases. Women’s health remains a big priority area. We’re committed to enhancing the patient journey, creating awareness about the importance of regular screenings, and supporting the prevention of relapse for patients who have battled breast cancer. This is not just a professional mandate for me but a personal one. As a mother, I understand the unique challenges women face in managing their health, and we’re dedicated to making this journey easier and more informed.

BBJ: How do you approach partnerships, especially in critical areas like oncology?

CM: Collaboration is certainly at the heart of our strategy. For example, partnerships with patient organizations and multi-stakeholder collaborations have been pivotal in advancing awareness, treatment, and support structures in oncology. The tireless work of patient organizations, along with the efforts of healthcare providers, researchers, and our team, has been instrumental in making progress against diseases like breast cancer. Through collaboration and partnerships, we have a significantly better opportunity to drive meaningful improvement in outcomes and broaden access to care for people in Hungary. By working together, we can ensure that women receive the support they need throughout their health journey.

BBJ: What role does Novartis see itself playing in preserving the competitiveness of the European life sciences sector?

CM: This is a crucial issue. At Novartis, we believe it hinges on fostering an open dialogue between the industry and the government. Ensuring that the right discussions are taking place and making strategic investments in Europe are key components of our approach. We’re committed to advocating for smart, balanced regulations that support innovation without overburdening the sector. Additionally, we recognize the value of clinical research; it’s essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. In Hungary, we aim to leverage our excellent pool of Hungarian scientists, top-notch clinical centers, and strong medical training programs to increase our competitiveness. Our collaboration with Semmelweis University and its rector, Béla Merkely, showcases the strength of our local foundations. Moreover, we understand that investment in the life sciences sector translates to economic growth, as healthcare is a vital competitive industry that contributes to GDP improvement.

BBJ: How important is company culture in driving these initiatives?

CM: Company culture is absolutely one of the most crucial elements required to drive innovation in healthcare. We emphasize fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability, encouraging leadership at all levels. By building strong cross-functional teams, we ensure that innovation is driven collaboratively. Our culture is externally focused, aiming to deeply understand the needs of our stakeholders and the broader healthcare system. This deep comprehension allows us to drive innovation that meets these needs effectively. We focus on maintaining open, transparent dialogues where every team member feels valued and heard. This collective effort ensures that our associates are motivated and passionate about making a meaningful impact in healthcare.

BBJ: Are you concerned about finding suitably qualified staff in Hungary?

CM: The labor market presents challenges, but our strong employer brand helps us navigate these waters effectively. We’ve been recognized as a top employer, receiving awards like the Randstad Award for the most attractive employer in life sciences and being named a top employer for the third consecutive year. These recognitions help us attract top talent, and we also emphasize developing our current employees. We believe in creating an environment where our teams can continuously grow and excel. This is instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusivity, resilience, and social responsibility. This way, our associates are engaged and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the organization and the community.

BBJ: How are you working with external stakeholders to promote healthcare innovation in Hungary?

CM: Collaboration with external stakeholders is key. As a board member of the Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, I work closely with other investors and industry leaders to address issues of mutual interest and advance the healthcare ecosystem in Hungary.

BBJ: What are the most significant challenges and opportunities for Hungary’s pharmaceutical industry?

CM: The biggest challenge remains the sustainability of healthcare systems amid increasing costs and demographic changes. We appreciate the government’s decision to reduce the special pharma tax back to 20%, which we hope remains stable as regulatory and taxation predictability are crucial for fostering a conducive environment for innovation and investment. However, the opportunities are immense. Hungary’s centralized health database and readiness for digital health innovation provide a unique platform for us to make significant advancements. The country’s ability to forge robust partnerships between industry and academia is another strength we can leverage to improve patient outcomes and propel the industry forward. We’re optimistic about the potential for meaningful progress and are committed to overcoming challenges through innovation and collaboration.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of February 21, 2025.