He also claimed doctors were failing to inform plaques sufferers of the benign nature of their condition, which was being confused with fatal diseases.
In tackling tuberous sclerosis, the hereditary condition in which benign tumors grow in the skin, kidneys or brain, Novartis hopes a pill can improve on current treatment, which includes the surgical removal of tumors.
While most people who carry the gene do not experience any health problems, it can lead to acromegaly - a condition in which a benign enlargement of the pituitary gland causes excess growth of muscles, cartilage and bones.