Novartis' Kurtköy Facility Turns 20

Novartis celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Kurtköy facility with an event attended by Novartis Turkey Country President Natacha Theytaz and Novartis Global Health and Sustainability Head Lutz Hegemann. The Novartis Kurtköy Manufacturing Facility, which began production operations in August 2004, marked its 20th anniversary. Novartis celebrated this 20-year production milestone with an event. Novartis Turkey Country President Natacha Theytaz and Novartis Global Health and Sustainability Head Lutz Hegemann attended the event and shared their remarks. A delegation from Switzerland's Istanbul Consulate General also participated in the event.

Has annual production capacity of 130 million units

The facility, which has been operating since 2004, produces solid oral forms of numerous Novartis medicines used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, hypertension, cholesterol, malaria and pain. Novartis Kurtköy Manufacturing Facility, which makes significant annual investments to ensure continuous improvement and innovation, contributes to both Turkey's economy and public health. The factory, which started its journey with 150 employees and today continues with 410 staff members, stands out as an important pharmaceutical manufacturing facility specialized in oral solid form production (tablets, capsules, film tablets, effervescent) for both local and export markets within Novartis. The facility, spanning a total area of 110,000 m², of which 52,000 m² is developed area, has an impressive annual production capacity of 130 million units under the management of Factory Director Filiz Gündoğmuş, and in addition to production for Turkey, exports to 120 countries around the world.  

Reached 6.5 million patients in Turkey

Novartis Country President Natacha Theytaz, in her remarks at the facility's 20th anniversary celebration event, emphasized the company's longstanding presence in Turkey and its commitment to the country. Theytaz said; "Novartis has been operating in Turkey since 1955. Our dedicated team of nearly 1,000 colleagues in manufacturing, research & development, field operations and headquarters works passionately to contribute to healthcare services. The Kurtköy factory, which has been operating for twenty years and is an integral part of our global network currently comprising more than 30 factories, produces life-changing medicines including important treatments for chronic diseases. In 2023 alone, by producing 80 different products, we reached an impressive figure of 107 million units. Additionally, in 2023, 53 different treatments reached 6.5 million patients in Turkey. We view these successes as an indicator of our unwavering commitment as Novartis to advancing healthcare services, improving patients' lives and supporting Turkey's growth and development through partnerships with our stakeholders" she stated. Lutz Hegemann said in his statement "As the Global Health and Sustainability unit, our objective is to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status, can benefit from our innovative treatments and to maximize our social impact as a sustainable business. To realize this mission, we are combining global health and business capabilities to overcome unresolved global health challenges such as malaria" he said.

Making significant contribution to malaria control

Highlighting the importance of the Kurtköy facility in Novartis Global Health efforts, Hegemann said "Since 2015, our colleagues working at our Kurtköy facility have enabled the production of millions of doses of treatment against malaria, a disease that kills 600,000 people annually worldwide. The dedication and hard work of our colleagues here play a vital role in addressing one of the world's urgent health challenges. Novartis Kurtköy's contribution to malaria control is invaluable" he said.

Aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040

Emphasizing that reducing environmental footprint is an important part of Novartis's strategy, Hegemann also noted that 5 June is World Environment Day and shared the company's commitments to environmental sustainability. Hegemann said; "We have set ambitious targets to minimize our impacts on climate, waste and water. We aim to achieve carbon neutrality in our value chain by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Additionally, we aim to become water and plastic neutral in our operations by 2030" he stated. Highlighting the intersection of climate and human health, Hegemann added "While efforts focused on net zero and reduction targeting carbon neutrality are important, we must also adapt to and manage the ongoing impacts of climate change on global health. At this intersection of climate and human health where diseases like malaria are being intensified by climate change, we must continue R&D investments targeting climate-related threats directly and ensure that the benefits of innovative health work reach everyone" he said.