The company's purpose is research and development in the field of human and animal health. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries and may participate in other enterprises, both in Switzerland and abroad, and, in general, engage in any activity directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, hold, and dispose of real estate both in Switzerland and abroad. It may carry out, either for its own account or for the account of third parties, all financial transactions as well as act as guarantor or surety for subsidiaries or third parties.