by CHEN Yang

Novartis China on Tuesday dismissed reports that it will dissolve its county-level sales team by Dec. 31, saying it will overhaul its operating model for county-market coverage from Jan. 1, 2026.

The drugmaker said it currently serves about 1,000 county-level markets and that the change will not affect its commitment to patients. Novartis said it will continue bringing innovative medicines to county regions and support efforts to raise local healthcare standards.