Victor Bulto and Thierry Diagana named to 2026 TIME100 Health List

Two Novartis executives, Victor Bultó and Thierry Diagana, have been named to the 2026 TIME100 Health list. The list, compiled by TIME editors and global experts, recognizes individuals driving impactful change across health-related fields.

Pioneering Cancer Care with Radioligand Therapy

Victor Bultó, President of Novartis US, is recognised for his leadership in advancing radioligand therapy (RLT) within the United States. RLT combines targeted molecular precision with the power of radiation, representing a significant innovation in oncology.

Under Bultó’s leadership, Novartis has focused on establishing a robust infrastructure for RLT. Over the past eight years, the company has invested in manufacturing and delivery capabilities, achieving a 99.9% on-time dose delivery rate. This commitment extends to accessibility, with Novartis enabling over 700 treatment centers across the US, placing 90% of patients within 30 miles of an RLT site.

Did You Know? Novartis has enabled more than 700 treatment centers across the US for radioligand therapy.

Novartis is also actively expanding the potential applications of RLT, with over 20 programs in development to explore its use in cancers beyond prostate and neuroendocrine tumors, including breast, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

Advancing Antimalarial Treatments

Thierry Diagana, Global Head of Global Health and California Sites Head, Biomedical Research at Novartis, is honored for his work in developing next-generation antimalarial treatments. His team discovered a novel compound with the potential to combat resistant strains of the malaria parasite.

A Phase III trial of a new treatment incorporating this compound met its primary endpoint in 2025, demonstrating potential to address antimalarial resistance and prevent transmission. This treatment candidate is one of four new antimalarials currently in development, representing the largest pipeline of its kind for malaria and neglected tropical diseases.

Expert Insight: The development of new antimalarial treatments is critical given the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant strains, posing a significant threat to global health initiatives.

Diagana emphasized the need for multiple approaches to combat malaria, highlighting the collaborative effort behind these advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is radioligand therapy?

Radioligand therapy (RLT) merges the precision of molecular targeting with the therapeutic power of radiation, representing a breakthrough in oncology.

What is the significance of the new antimalarial compound?

The new compound discovered by Thierry Diagana’s team has shown the potential to address resistant strains of the malaria parasite and could represent the first major innovation in malaria treatment in over 25 years.

How has Novartis improved access to RLT?

Novartis has enabled more than 700 treatment centers across the US, placing 90% of patients within 30 miles of an RLT site, and provides healthcare providers with standardized protocols, and training.

How might continued innovation in pharmaceutical research impact global health challenges in the coming years?