The a16z Show Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimhan on Transforming a 250-Year-Old Company
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Feb 16, 2026 
Vasant Narasimhan, physician-scientist and CEO who refocused Novartis into a pure-play medicines company, discusses platform bets in cell and gene therapy, RNA medicines, and radioligand therapies. He talks AI’s role across discovery and trials. He also covers global shifts in biotech, China’s rise, and what technical milestones and manufacturing work matter when partnering with startups.
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Focus Unlocked $180B Of Value
- Novartis transformed from a diversified conglomerate into a pure-play medicines company focused on core strengths.
- That focused strategy unlocked almost $180 billion by aligning capital, culture, and R&D around novel medicines.
Cell Therapy Is Entering A Renaissance
- Cell therapies initially struggled commercially but are now resurging as platforms to reset immunity beyond cancer.
- Faster, cheaper manufacturing and immune-reset indications drive a renaissance for cell therapy.
Lazarus-Like Cell Therapy Recovery
- A patient bedridden from autoimmune disease received Novartis cell therapy and had no sign of disease six months later.
- Vas described this as a 'Lazarus-like' recovery illustrating cell therapy's potential to reset immunity.