Nuoyanuode's new CEO debut: all future business expansion must revolve around the core needs of diabetes or obesity patients.

At the 44th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Novartis' new CEO, Vas Narasimhan, made his first public appearance, charting a new course for the company and signaling a commitment to strengthening its metabolic disease capabilities. He stated that the company has the ability to make acquisitions of up to $40 billion, but the targets must be "worthwhile," while also advancing strategic narrowing to focus on the core needs of patients.