NFL Names Novartis as Corporate Pharmaceutical Partner
The two organizations will work together to promote healthy choices, such as early screenings.
Stock.adobe.com
The NFL named Novartis as its first-in-category corporate pharmaceutical partner. Together, the two organizations will work to promote healthy choices and making active decisions in regard to healthcare to football fans across the country.1
As part of the partnership, Novartis will participate in the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, a cancer awareness campaign produced alongside the American Cancer Society (ACS). The objective of the campaign is to promote early screenings, which can greatly improve the survival rates of people diagnosed with various forms of cancer.
In a press release, Novartis US president Victor Bulto said, “At the heart of this first-of-its-kind partnership is the ambition to educate and mobilize communities to detect cancer and other diseases early, broadening health solutions beyond medicine. With its nationwide fan base and demonstrated commitment to health advocacy, the NFL is a powerful partner for igniting critical health conversations at an unmatched scale. Together, Novartis and the NFL are working toward leveling the playing field against serious health conditions, empowering every fan to proactively manage their health."
In the same press release, the NFL’s chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills added, “At the NFL, we're always looking for new ways to provide the highest level of care to our players, including through collaboration with experts across the medical field. Novartis is the ideal partner to help us in this mission due to their unparalleled expertise in innovative medicines and their dedication to improving health outcomes. At our upcoming Medical Summit, and beyond, we'll work with Novartis in leveraging our combined strengths to advance health initiatives and make a lasting impact at the league and in communities across the country."
The NFL’s senior vice president of sponsorship also said, “We're thrilled to welcome Novartis as our first-ever corporate partner across the pharmaceutical category. As we continue to strategically prioritize the health and wellness space, we look forward to working with Novartis. Together we will be able to make an impact in communities for our fans across the 2025 season and in the years ahead."
This is Novartis’ latest campaign focused on early detection for cancer.
In January of this year, the company launched a campaign focused on early screenings for breast cancer.2 The “Your Attention Please” featured comedian Wanda Sykes, who is a breast cancer survivor herself.
In a press release issued at the time, Bulto said, “Novartis has been raising the bar in breast cancer care for the past 30+ years, most recently advancing a new treatment option for the broadest population of early breast cancer patients. And, we know that early detection through regular screening provides the best chances for cure. We are proud to build on our legacy to deliver science-backed guidance, innovative resources, and steadfast support for patients, advocates, healthcare providers, and the wider breast cancer community. By reframing the conversation and sparking a dialogue that turns attention into action, we hope to empower individuals and their loved ones in better understanding their breast health, navigating their care with confidence, and ultimately, leading to better treatment outcomes."
Sources
- Novartis Named First-Ever Corporate Pharmaceutical Partner of the National Football League. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. March 13, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novartis-named-first-ever-corporate-pharmaceutical-partner-of-the-national-football-league-302401224.html
- Early Detection is a Game Changer: Novartis Makes Bold Play to Prioritize Breast Health and Inspire a New Wave of Breast Cancer Screenings. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. January 28, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/early-detection-is-a-game-changer-novartis-makes-bold-play-to-prioritize-breast-health-and-inspire-a-new-wave-of-breast-cancer-screenings-302361339.html
The Misinformation Maze: Navigating Public Health in the Digital Age
March 11th 2025Jennifer Butler, chief commercial officer of Pleio, discusses misinformation's threat to public health, where patients are turning for trustworthy health information, the industry's pivot to peer-to-patient strategies to educate patients, and more.
Navigating Distrust: Pharma in the Age of Social Media
February 18th 2025Ian Baer, Founder and CEO of Sooth, discusses how the growing distrust in social media will impact industry marketing strategies and the relationships between pharmaceutical companies and the patients they aim to serve. He also explains dark social, how to combat misinformation, closing the trust gap, and more.
