Novartis AG focuses its business on three divisions: pharmaceuticals, eye care (Alcon), and generics (Sandoz). These three divisions are supported by the research organization, the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, and a centralized services group, Novartis Business Services, to facilitate collaboration across the divisions and drive efficiency and productivity gains.

In Israel, in addition to the marketing department, Novartis has a division engaged in medical research and development of new drugs and a wide range of clinical research activities. In 2009, Alcon, a subsidiary of Novartis, acquired Optonol, a company that develops devices for ophthalmologic applications and glaucoma surgery. Since its acquisition, Optonol operates as a subsidiary of the company.

Novartis also operates in Israel a Cyber Security research center. Novartis is also present in Israel, through its innovation center BIOME.