Basel, July 17, 2014 – Commenting on the results, Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, said: “Novartis delivered solid financial performance with core margin expansion in the second quarter and first half. Pharmaceuticals, in particular, showed improved productivity, driving core operating leverage for the Group. We also made significant progress on innovation across the portfolio, reaching milestones such as FDA approval for Zykadia in ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer, FDA Fast Track designation and rolling submission for LCZ696 in chronic heart failure, CHMP recommendation …