The company's purpose is the research, development, and marketing of all types of medicines and pharmaceutical products. The company may found, acquire, or dispose of subsidiaries and branches, in Switzerland and abroad, as well as hold shares in any companies, except for transactions prohibited by the LFAIE. The company may carry out all commercial, financial, or other operations that are directly or indirectly related to its corporate purpose, except for transactions prohibited by the LFAIE. The company may acquire, hold, encumber with limited real rights, administer, and dispose of real estate in Switzerland and abroad, except for transactions prohibited by the LFAIE. The company may grant loans and other direct or indirect financing to group companies and to third parties, including to its shareholders (direct and indirect) as well as to the companies of the groups of the latter, including within the framework of centralized cash management agreements (cash pooling), and provide securities of all types for their commitments, including through pledges or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of all types, for a consideration or free of charge.