<PAGE>   1

                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

               Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
                        Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                  For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2001

                         Commission file number 0-17254

                           NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                           ---------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


      STATE OF DELAWARE                                    59-2767632
    ---------------------                       ------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                       Identification Number)


                  11960 S.W. 144TH STREET, MIAMI, FL     33186
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)


                                 (305) 253-5099
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ].

         Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date.

             CLASS                               OUTSTANDING AT JULY 31, 2001
-------------------------------                  -----------------------------
Common stock $.0001 par value                             22,425,451







<PAGE>   2





                           NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                      INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                           PAGE NO.
                                                                                                           --------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   Item 1  -  Condensed Financial Statements

              Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended
                     June 30, 2001 and 2000                                                                     3

              Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000                                4

              Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended
                     June 30, 2001 and 2000                                                                     5

              Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements                                             6 - 9

   Item 2 -   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                     Condition and Results of Operations                                                  10 - 15

   Item 3 -   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk                                       15

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

   Item 4 -   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                              16

   Item 6 -   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                                                 16

SIGNATURES                                                                                                     17


</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>   3















PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                       Condensed Statements of Operations
                       Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               THREE MONTHS              SIX MONTHS
                                                           --------------------      --------------------
                                                            2001         2000         2001         2000
                                                           -------      -------      -------      -------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
        Product sales                                      $11,842      $10,335      $23,864      $19,791
        License revenue                                        752          146        1,419          293
                                                           -------      -------      -------      -------
        Total revenues                                      12,594       10.481       25,283       20,084

Expenses:
        Cost of products sold                                5,894        4,512       10,710        9,023
        Research and development                             2,410        3,555        4,637        5,380
        Marketing, general and administrative                3,176        2,307        5,836        4,389
                                                           -------      -------      -------      -------
        Total expenses                                      11,480       10,374       21,183       18,792
                                                           -------      -------      -------      -------
Income from operations                                       1,114          107        4,100        1,292

Equity in earnings of Novogyne                               3,137        3,253        3,732        3,730
Interest income, net                                           482          267        1,101          467
                                                           -------      -------      -------      -------
Income before income taxes                                   4,733        3,627        8,933        5,489

Provision for income taxes                                   1,510          153        3,043          188
                                                           -------      -------      -------      -------
Net income                                                 $ 3,223      $ 3,474      $ 5,890      $ 5,301
                                                           =======      =======      =======      =======

Basic earnings per share                                   $  0.14      $  0.16      $  0.26      $  0.24
                                                           =======      =======      =======      =======
Diluted earnings per share                                 $  0.14      $  0.15      $  0.25      $  0.23
                                                           =======      =======      =======      =======

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
      Basic                                                 22,335       21,797       22,286       21,740
                                                           =======      =======      =======      =======
      Diluted                                               23,561       22,895       23,585       22,862
                                                           =======      =======      =======      =======

</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.


                                       3
<PAGE>   4


                           NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                            Condensed Balance Sheets
                        (in thousands, except share data)
                                   (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          JUNE 30, 2001        DECEMBER 31, 2000
                                                                          --------------       -----------------
<S>                                                                        <C>                   <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                                            $  42,060             $  40,976
      Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts
         of $97 in 2001 and $121 in 2000)                                      4,996                 5,677
      Due from Novogyne                                                       34,790                 2,917
      Inventories                                                              5,614                 6,098
      Net deferred income tax asset                                            4,800                 4,500
      Prepaid and other current assets                                           442                   495
                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                              92,702                60,663

Property, plant and equipment, net                                            15,963                15,154

Other Assets:
      Investment in Novogyne                                                  21,763                15,431
      Net deferred income tax asset                                           10,345                10,700
      Patent development costs, net                                            1,993                 1,972
      Deposits and other assets                                                1,209                   111
                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                           $ 143,975             $ 104,031
                                                                           =========             =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                                      $   4,125             $   6,522
     Notes payable - current portion                                             256                   340
     Due to Aventis Pharmaceuticals                                           30,000                    --
     Accrued compensation and related liabilities                              1,995                 2,504
     Other accrued liabilities                                                 3,482                 1,903
     Deferred license revenue - current portion                                3,011                 2,660
                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                              42,869                13,929
Long-Term Liabilities:
     Notes payable                                                               182                   265
     Deferred license revenue                                                 26,290                24,560
                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                              69,341                38,754

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders' Equity:
     Preferred stock - authorized 100,000 shares of $.01 par
         value; no shares issued or outstanding                                   --                    --
     Common stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares,
         par value $.0001 per share; issued and
         outstanding 22,402,588 shares at June 30, 2001 and
         22,177,598 at December 31, 2000                                           2                     2
     Additional paid-in capital                                               76,331                72,864
     Accumulated deficit                                                      (1,699)               (7,589)
                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                              74,634                65,277
                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                           $ 143,975             $ 104,031
                                                                           =========             =========
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.



                                       4
<PAGE>   5


                           NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                       Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
                            Six Months Ended June 30,
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                            2001                 2000
                                                                                          --------             --------

<S>                                                                                       <C>                  <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                                              $  5,890             $  5,301
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided by operating activities:
           Depreciation and amortization                                                       738                  707
           Amortization of patent costs                                                        109                  104
           Deferred income tax provision                                                       413                   --
           Recognition of deferred license revenue                                          (1,419)                (293)
           Equity in earnings of Novogyne                                                   (3,732)              (3,730)
           Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable                                          681               (1,276)
           (Increase) decrease in due from Novogyne                                         (1,873)                 347
           Decrease (increase) in inventories                                                  484               (1,737)
           Decrease in prepaid and other current assets                                         53                   33
           (Increase) decrease in deposits and other assets                                 (1,098)                 160
           (Decrease) increase in accounts payable                                          (2,397)                 448
           (Decrease) increase in accrued compensation and related liabilities                (509)                 360
           Increase (decrease) in other accrued liabilities                                  2,284                 (135)
           Increase in deferred license revenue                                              3,500                   --
                                                                                          --------             --------
             Cash flows provided by operating activities                                     3,124                  289

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net                                            (1,547)                (564)
  Investment in Novogyne                                                                   (15,680)                  --
  Distribution from Novogyne                                                                13,080                2,228
  Payments for patent development costs                                                       (130)                 (88)
                                                                                          --------             --------
             Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities                          (4,277)               1,576

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Issuance of common stock                                                                   2,404                1,766
  Payments on notes payable                                                                   (167)                (171)
                                                                                          --------             --------
             Cash flows provided by financing activities                                     2,237                1,595
                                                                                          --------             --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                    1,084                3,460
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                                              40,976               15,338
                                                                                          --------             --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                                                  $ 42,060             $ 18,798
                                                                                          ========             ========

</TABLE>


THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.



                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                           NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     Basis of Presentation:

               In management's opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed
       financial statements of Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Noven") contain all
       adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary
       to present fairly the financial position of Noven as of June 30, 2001,
       and the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June
       30, 2001 and 2000. The results of operations and cash flows for the six
       months ended June 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results
       of operations or cash flows which may be reported for the remainder of
       2001.

               The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have
       been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
       Exchange Commission for reporting on Form 10-Q. Pursuant to such rules
       and regulations, certain information and footnote disclosures normally
       included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting
       principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been
       condensed or omitted. The unaudited condensed financial statements should
       be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to the
       financial statements included in Noven's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
       the year ended December 31, 2000.

               The accounting policies followed for interim financial reporting
       are the same as those disclosed in Note 1 of the notes to the financial
       statements included in Noven's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
       ended December 31, 2000.

               Noven and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation ("Novartis")
       entered into a joint venture, Vivelle Ventures LLC (d/b/a Novogyne
       Pharmaceuticals) ("Novogyne"), effective May 1, 1998, to market and sell
       women's healthcare products in the United States and Canada. These
       products include Noven's transdermal estrogen delivery systems marketed
       under the brand names Vivelle(R) and Vivelle-Dot(TM) and, effective March
       30, 2001, Noven's transdermal combination estrogen/progestin delivery
       system marketed under the brand name Combipatch(TM). Noven accounts for
       its 49% investment in Novogyne under the equity method and reports its
       share of Novogyne's earnings as "Equity in earnings of Novogyne" on its
       Statements of Operations. Noven defers the recognition of 49% of its
       profit on products sold to Novogyne until the products are sold by
       Novogyne.

2.     Inventories:

               The following are the major classes of inventories (in
       thousands):

                              JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                2001           2000
                              --------     ------------

       Finished goods          $  135         $  319
       Work in process          1,882          1,567
       Raw materials            3,597          4,212
                               ------         ------

       Total                   $5,614         $6,098
                               ======         ======



                                       6
<PAGE>   7


3.     Income Taxes:

               Noven accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions
       of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for
       Income Taxes". Provisions for income taxes for the three and six months
       ended June 30, 2001 are based on the Federal statutory and state income
       tax rates. Provisions for income taxes for the three and six months ended
       June 30, 2000 reflect provisions for the Federal alternative minimum tax
       and state income taxes.

4.     Cash Flow Information:

               Cash payments for income taxes were $0.9 million in 2001 and $0.3
       million in 2000. Cash payments for interest were $21,000 in 2001 and
       $35,000 in 2000.

               In connection with the Combipatch(TM) transaction described in
       Note 5 below, in March 2001, Noven recorded a $40 million receivable from
       Novogyne and a $40 million payable to Aventis Pharmaceuticals, the United
       States pharmaceuticals business of Aventis Pharma AG ("Aventis"). In June
       2001, Novogyne paid the first $10 million installment to Aventis.

               Accrued compensation and related liabilities for the year ended
       December 31, 1999 included bonuses for employees and officers of $0.8
       million that were settled by issuance of 55,000 shares of common stock
       during the quarter ended March 31, 2000.

               Noven recorded a $1.1 million income tax benefit to additional
       paid-in capital for the six months ended June 30, 2001 derived from the
       exercise of non-qualified stock options and disqualifying dispositions of
       incentive stock options.

5.     License Agreements:

               On March 30, 2001, Novogyne acquired the exclusive United States
       marketing rights to Combipatch(TM) (estradiol/norethindrone acetate
       transdermal system) in a series of transactions involving Novogyne,
       Noven, Novartis and Aventis. Prior to the transaction, Aventis had been
       Noven's exclusive licensee for Combipatch(TM) in the United States. The
       transaction was structured as (a) a direct purchase by Novogyne from
       Aventis of certain assets for $25 million, which was paid at closing, (b)
       a grant-back by Aventis to Noven of certain intellectual property rights
       relating to Combipatch(TM), and (c) a simultaneous license by Noven to
       Novogyne of these intellectual property rights. The consideration payable
       by Noven to Aventis, and by Novogyne to Noven, is $40 million, due in
       four quarterly installments of $10 million each, payable beginning June
       1, 2001. Novogyne agreed to indemnify Noven against Noven's obligation to
       Aventis. The first $10 million quarterly installment was paid by Novogyne
       to Aventis on June 1, 2001. As a consequence of the transaction and under
       the terms of Noven's existing license agreement with Aventis, Noven
       received $3.5 million from Aventis, which amount was deferred and
       recognized as license revenue over ten years beginning in the first
       quarter of 2001.

               In a related transaction, Novartis Pharma AG ("Novartis AG")
       acquired from Aventis the development and marketing rights to future
       generations of Noven's combination estrogen/progestin patch in all
       markets other than Japan, and Novogyne expects to sublicense the United
       States rights to these product improvements. If and when any future
       generation combination products are commercialized, Novogyne will pay a



                                       7
<PAGE>   8

       royalty to Novartis AG on the United States sales of such products. Noven
       will manufacture Combipatch(TM) and any future combination products and
       will supply such products to Novogyne and to Novartis AG. In June 2001,
       Noven and Novartis entered into a development agreement relating to
       future generations of combination estrogen/progestin patch products.

6.     Investment in Novogyne:

               Noven shares in the earnings of Novogyne according to an
       established formula after satisfaction of an annual preferred return of
       $6.1 million to Novartis. Novogyne produced sufficient income in the
       first quarters of 2000 and 2001 to meet Novartis' annual preferred return
       and for Noven to recognize earnings from Novogyne under the formula.
       Noven's share of Novogyne's earnings increases as Novogyne's product
       sales increase, subject to a cap of 49%.

               During the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000,
       Noven had the following transactions with Novogyne (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               THREE MONTHS                 SIX MONTHS
                                            --------------------      --------------------
                                              2001         2000         2001         2000
                                            -------      -------      -------      -------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
       Revenue:
            Trade product                   $ 2,842      $ 3,202      $ 4,086      $ 7,637
            Sample product and other          1,559          801        1,577        1,544
            Royalty                             950          904        1,766        1,696
                                            -------      -------      -------      -------
                                            $ 5,351      $ 4,907      $ 7,429      $10,877
                                            =======      =======      =======      =======
       Reimbursed Expenses:

            Services                        $ 4,000      $ 2,392      $ 6,954      $ 4,536
            Product specific marketing        1,214          942        1,839        1,325
                                            -------      -------      -------      -------
                                            $ 5,214      $ 3,334      $ 8,793      $ 5,861
                                            =======      =======      =======      =======

</TABLE>

               As of June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, Noven had amounts due
       from Novogyne of $34.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively,
       representing $30 million related to the license of Combipatch(TM) (see
       Note 5) for 2001 and the balance representing amounts due for products
       sold to and marketing expenses reimbursable by Novogyne.

               The unaudited condensed Statements of Operations of Novogyne for
       the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 are as follows (in
       thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            THREE MONTHS               SIX MONTHS
                                                         --------------------      --------------------
                                                           2001         2000         2001         2000
                                                         -------      -------      -------      -------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
       Revenues                                          $20,852      $15,840      $34,720      $29,089

       Cost of sales                                       3,887        2,598        6,074        4,713
       Selling, general and administrative expenses        8,323        5,316       13,122        9,492
       Amortization of intangible assets                   1,541           --        1,541           --
                                                         -------      -------      -------      -------
       Income from operations                              7,101        7,926       13,983       14,884

       Interest income                                        64          286          623          640
                                                         -------      -------      -------      -------

       Net income                                        $ 7,165      $ 8,212      $14,606      $15,524
                                                         =======      =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

               Subject to the approval of Novogyne's management committee, cash
       may be distributed to Novartis and Noven based upon a contractual
       formula. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2001, Noven received
       distributions of $2.9 million and $13.1 million, respectively, from
       Novogyne based on the results of operations for the year ended December
       31, 2000 and the five months ended May 31, 2001. For the six months ended
       June 30, 2000, Noven received a cash distribution of $2.2 million from
       Novogyne based upon the results of operations for the year ended December
       31, 1999. These amounts were recorded as reductions in the investment in
       Novogyne when received.

               In connection with the Combipatch(TM) transaction described in
       Note 5 above, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001, Noven
       contributed $3.4 million and $15.7 million, respectively, to Novogyne.
       These amounts were recorded as increases in the investment in Novogyne
       when paid.

7.     Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

               In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board approved
       the issuance of SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations", and SFAS No. 142,
       "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". These standards, which were
       issued in July 2001, establish accounting and reporting for business
       combinations. SFAS No. 141 requires all business combinations entered
       into subsequent to June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase
       method of accounting. SFAS No. 142 provides that goodwill and other
       intangible assets with indefinite lives will not be amortized, but will
       be tested for impairment on an annual basis. SFAS No. 142 is effective
       for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001; however, early
       adoption is permitted. Noven does not expect the adoption of these
       statements to have a material effect on its financial statements or
       disclosures.

8.     Other:

               In September 2000, Noven entered into a Severance and
       Non-Competition Agreement with Steven Sablotsky, Co-Chairman of its Board
       of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Sablotsky's employment as an
       officer of Noven terminated on June 1, 2001. Noven paid Mr. Sablotsky
       $1.2 million on that date, which is being amortized over the period of
       his three-year non-competition agreement. In July 2001, Mr. Sablotsky
       resigned as a director of Noven.

               In June 2001, Noven's stockholders approved an increase in the
       number of authorized common shares from 40 million to 80 million.



                                       9
<PAGE>   10


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements, the related notes and management's discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in Noven's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the
financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q. Except for historical information contained herein, the
matters discussed in this report are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements about Noven's plans, objectives, expectations, estimates, strategies,
product approvals and development plans, and anticipated financial results.
These statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as
"anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans,"
"should," "will," and similar words. These statements are based on Noven's
current expectations and beliefs concerning future events but are subject to
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed therein. In addition to the important factors described in
Noven's Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following important factors, among
others, could cause Noven's actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in any forward-looking statements: Noven's dependence on strategic
alliances and its relationships with its licensees, risks associated with
clinical trials and product development, including any future generations of
Noven's combination estrogen/progestin patch, the recent shortfall in
international product orders expected to be received from Novartis, the ability
of Novogyne to generate sufficient operating income to service the obligations
owing to Aventis with respect to the Combipatch(TM) transaction, fluctuations in
quarterly revenue and research and development expenses, the effect of changes
in taxation, as well as economic, competitive, governmental and technological
factors affecting Noven's operations, markets, products and prices. Noven does
not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements or to announce
the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements except as
required by law.

         Substantially all of Noven's product sales were to its licensees,
Novogyne, Novartis AG and Aventis. Revenues from product sales are recognized at
the time of shipment. Certain license agreements provide for an adjustment to
the price of the product based upon the licensee's actual sales price. Noven
records such adjustments to revenues at the time that the information necessary
to make the determination is received from the licensees. Royalty revenue
consists of royalties payable by Novogyne and Novartis from sales of Vivelle(R)
and Vivelle-Dot(TM) in the United States and Canada. Royalty revenue is
recognized when earned and determinable and is included in product sales.

         License revenue consists of up-front, milestone and similar payments
under license agreements and is recognized when earned under the terms of the
applicable agreements. In most cases, license revenue will be deferred and
recognized over time.

         Certain license agreements entitle Noven to minimum fees. Noven records
revenue related to minimum fees at the time that supporting data is provided by
the licensee. If the minimum fees are not determinable, Noven records these fees
on a cash basis. These fees are included in product revenue.

         Revenues from product sales to licensees may fluctuate from quarter to
quarter depending on various factors not in Noven's control, including but not
limited to, the marketing efforts of each licensee, the inventory requirements



                                       10
<PAGE>   11

of each licensee, the impact of competitive products, the timing and scope of
Estalis(R) and Estradot(TM) launches by Novartis AG, the product pricing of each
licensee and the timing of certain royalty reconciliations and payments under
Noven's license agreements.

         Noven shares in the earnings of Novogyne according to an established
formula after satisfaction of an annual preferred return of $6.1 million to
Novartis. In the first quarters of 2001 and 2000, Novartis' preferred return was
satisfied. Noven reports its share of Novogyne's earnings as "Equity in earnings
of Novogyne" on its Statements of Operations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000

          Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001 were $25.3
million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 26%, over the same period in the prior
year. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in
product sales of $4.1 million, or 21%, for the six months ended June 30, 2001
over the same period in the prior year. Product sales in the 2001 period
included $1.4 million in minimum fee payments related to sales of Menorest(R) in
certain European countries in 2000. The remaining $2.7 million of the increase
in product sales was primarily attributable to higher sales of Estalis(R)
outside of the United States and, to a lesser extent, sales of Combipatch(TM) in
the United States. A decline in sales of Vivelle(R) and Vivelle-Dot(TM) to
Novogyne due to planned inventory reductions at Novogyne partially offset the
increased sales of Noven's other products. License revenue increased $1.1
million, or 384%, primarily due to the amortization of license fees received in
connection with the license of Estradot(TM) to Novartis AG in the fourth quarter
of 2000 and the license of Combipatch(TM) to Novogyne in the first quarter of
2001. Product orders from Novartis AG for international markets have, to date,
been substantially less than anticipated. Noven expects that the failure to
receive these expected orders will significantly affect revenue for the second
half of 2001 and that total revenues for the full year 2001 will be only
modestly higher than the $42.9 million in total revenues reported for 2000.

          Gross profit (product sales less cost of products sold) for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 was $13.2 million (55% of product sales), compared to
$10.8 million (54% of product sales) for the same period in the prior year. The
increase in gross margin resulted from higher minimum fee payments and a
decrease in the deferred profit related to sales of product to Novogyne. The
decrease in deferred profit on sales to Novogyne resulted from a decline in
Novogyne's inventory during the first six months of 2001. See Note 1 to Notes to
Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements. The increase in gross margin was
partially offset by an unfavorable product mix as Noven sold more product
outside of the United States, while United States sales declined. Noven's
foreign sales have a lower gross margin. Noven expects its gross margin
percentage to be in the low 50 percent range for the full year 2001, primarily
due to anticipated reductions in production volume in the second half of 2001
and to increased profit deferral related to expected sales of Combipatch(TM) to
Novogyne.

         Research and development expenses decreased approximately $0.7 million,
or 14%, for the six months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the same period in
the prior year. The decrease was attributable primarily to the completion of
certain clinical studies for Noven's methylphenidate transdermal delivery
system, partially offset by increases related to additional personnel and
related costs. Noven expects an increase in research and development expenses in
the remainder of 2001, primarily related to additional clinical studies
associated with Noven's methylphenidate transdermal delivery system. The future
level of research and development expenditures will depend on, among other



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<PAGE>   12

things, the status of products under development and the outcome of clinical
trials, strategic decisions by management, the consummation of new license
agreements and Noven's liquidity. Further, such expenses may vary significantly
from quarter to quarter depending on product development cycles and the timing
of clinical studies.

         Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased approximately
$1.4 million, or 33%, for the six months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the
same period in the prior year. This increase was due primarily to higher outside
consulting services related to the implementation of an enterprise resource
planning system, consulting services related to improvements in production
efficiency, and to higher legal fees related to the Combipatch(TM) transaction.

         For the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, Noven reported equity
in earnings of Novogyne of $3.7 million. Novogyne's revenue increased from $29.1
million for the six months ended June 30, 2000 to $34.7 million in the
comparable 2001 period. This increase was attributable to increased sales of
Vivelle-Dot(TM) and Combipatch(TM) (licensed in March 2001), partially offset by
decreased sales of Vivelle(R). Novogyne's selling, general and administrative
expenses increased from $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000 to
$13.1 million in the comparable 2001 period, primarily due to expenses relating
to the relaunch of the Combipatch(TM) product and to the expansion of the
Novogyne sales force. Novogyne amortized $1.5 million related to the
Combipatch(TM) acquisition cost during the six months ended June 30, 2001. For
the first six months of 2001, Novogyne had net income of $14.6 million, compared
to $15.5 million for the same period in the prior year.

         Interest income, net increased approximately $0.6 million, or 136%, for
the six months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the same period in the prior
year, primarily due to higher average balances in cash and cash equivalents.

         Noven's effective tax rate increased from 3.4% for the six months ended
June 30, 2000 to 34.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2001. The provisions
for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2001 are based on the Federal
statutory and state income tax rates. The provisions for income taxes for the
six months ended June 30, 2000 reflect provisions for the Federal alternative
minimum tax and state income taxes. As of June 30, 2001, Noven had a net
deferred tax asset of $15.1 million. Realization of this deferred tax asset
depends upon Noven generating sufficient future taxable income. Although
realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that
the deferred income tax asset will be realized based upon estimated future
taxable income. Noven expects its effective tax rate to be between 34% and 36%
for full year 2001.

         Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2001 was $5.9 million
($0.25 diluted earnings per share), compared to $5.3 million ($0.23 diluted
earnings per share) for the same period in the prior year. Noven expects that
diluted earnings per share for the full year 2001 will be $.40 to $.45 per
share.

THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000

          Total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2001 were $12.6
million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 20%, over the same period in the prior
year. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in
product sales of $1.5 million, or 15%, for the three months ended June 30, 2001
over the same period in the prior year. This increase in product sales was
primarily attributable to higher sales of Combipatch(TM) in the United States
and, to a lesser extent, sales of Estalis(R) outside of the United States. A
decline in sales of Vivelle(R) and Vivelle-Dot(TM) to Novogyne partially offset


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<PAGE>   13

the increased sales of Noven's other products. License revenue increased $0.6
million, or 415%, primarily due to the amortization of license fees received in
connection with the license of Estradot(TM) to Novartis AG in the fourth quarter
of 2000 and the license of Combipatch(TM) to Novogyne in the first quarter of
2001.

          Gross profit (product sales less cost of products sold) for the three
months ended June 30, 2001 was $5.9 million (50% of product sales) compared to
$5.8 million (56% of product sales) for the same period in the prior year. The
decline in gross margin was attributable to product mix, as Noven sold more
product outside of the United States, while United States sales remained flat.
Noven's foreign sales have a lower gross margin.

         Research and development expenses decreased approximately $1.1 million,
or 32%, for the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the same period in
the prior year, attributable primarily to the completion of certain clinical
studies for Noven's methylphenidate transdermal delivery system.

         Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased approximately
$0.9 million, or 38%, for the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the
same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher outside
consulting services related to the implementation of an enterprise resource
planning system and consulting services related to improvements in production
efficiency.

         For the three months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, Noven reported
equity in earnings of Novogyne of $3.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
Novogyne's revenue increased from $15.8 million in the three months ended June
30, 2000 to $20.9 million in the comparable 2001 period. This increase was
attributable to increased sales of Vivelle-Dot(TM) and Combipatch(TM) (licensed
in March 2001), partially offset by decreased sales of Vivelle(R). Novogyne's
selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $5.3 million for the
three months ended June 30, 2000 to $8.3 million in the comparable 2001 period,
primarily due to expenses relating to the relaunch of the the Combipatch(TM)
product and to the expansion of the Novogyne sales force. Novogyne amortized
$1.5 million related to the Combipatch(TM) acquisition cost during the three
months ended June 30, 2001. For the three months ended June 30, 2001, Novogyne
had net income of $7.2 million, compared to $8.2 million for the same period in
the prior year.

         Interest income, net increased approximately $0.2 million, or 80%, for
the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the same period in the prior
year, primarily due to higher average balances in cash and cash equivalents.

         Noven's effective tax rate increased from 4.2% for the three months
ended June 30, 2000 to 31.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2001. The
provisions for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2001 are based
on the Federal statutory and state income tax rates. In addition, net deferred
income tax assets are measured using the average graduated tax rate for the
estimated amount of annual taxable income in the years that the liability is
expected to be settled or the asset recovered. The effect of adjusting the
expected tax rate related to the net deferred income tax assets is included in
the provision for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2001. The
provisions for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2000 reflect
provisions for the Federal alternative minimum tax and state income taxes.

         Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2001 was $3.2 million
($0.14 diluted earnings per share), compared to $3.5 million ($0.15 diluted
earnings per share) for the same period in the prior year.



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

          As of June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, Noven had $42.1 million and
$41.0 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. Working capital
increased by $3.1 million from $46.7 million at December 31, 2000 to $49.8
million at June 30, 2001.

         Net cash of approximately $3.1 million was provided by operating
activities during the first six months of 2001, compared to approximately $0.3
million provided by operating activities during the same period in the prior
year. Net cash generated by operating activities primarily resulted from the
receipt of a license fee in the amount of $3.5 million from Aventis in
connection with the Combipatch(TM) license transaction. Changes in working
capital and improved operating results accounted for most of the remaining
fluctuation.

         Net cash of approximately $4.3 million was used in investing activities
during the first six months of 2001, compared to approximately $1.6 million
provided by investing activities during the same period of the prior year.
During the six months ended June 30, 2001, Noven received distributions totaling
$13.1 million from Novogyne. In connection with the Combipatch(TM) transaction,
Noven contributed $15.7 million to Novogyne as its proportionate share of the
payments to Aventis. During the six months ended June 30, 2001, Noven purchased
$1.5 million in property, plant and equipment, net of which the most significant
asset related to software for the enterprise resource system.

          Net cash of approximately $2.2 million was provided by financing
activities during the first six months of 2001, compared to approximately $1.6
million provided by financing activities during the same period of the prior
year, primarily resulting from an increase in cash received from the issuance of
common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options.

         In December 2000, Noven entered into a secured revolving credit
facility (the "Credit Facility") providing for borrowings of up to the lesser of
$10 million or eligible accounts receivable. The Credit Facility will terminate
in April 2002 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% (5.3% at June 30, 2001). At
June 30, 2001, there were no amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility.
Terms of the Credit Facility include, among other things, minimum net worth,
revenue and operating results requirements, as well as compliance with certain
financial ratios, measured on a quarterly basis.

         Noven's principal sources of short-term liquidity are existing cash,
cash generated from product sales, fees and royalties under license agreements
and borrowings under its Credit Facility. In November 2000, Noven entered into
an exclusive license agreement with Novartis AG relating to Estradot(TM),
pursuant to which Noven received an up-front license payment of $20 million and
will receive an additional milestone payment upon registration by Novartis AG of
the licensed product in certain European countries. There can be no assurance
that Novartis AG's registration efforts will be successful, and therefore there
can be no assurance that Noven will receive the additional milestone payment.

         Over the next year, Noven expects to invest up to $3 million in plant
and equipment and software implementation costs to increase production capacity
and to implement an enterprise resource planning system. Cash requirements for
Federal and state income taxes are also expected to increase. Additionally, as
part of the Combipatch(TM) transaction entered into in March 2001, the


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<PAGE>   15

consideration payable for certain intellectual property rights by Noven to
Aventis, and by Novogyne to Noven, is $40 million, due in four quarterly
installments of $10 million each, payable beginning June 1, 2001. Novogyne
agreed to indemnify Noven against Noven's obligations to Aventis. The first $10
million quarterly installment was paid by Novogyne to Aventis on June 1, 2001.
Noven expects that most of these installment payments will be funded from cash
flows from Novogyne's operations. There can be no assurance that Novogyne will
be able to generate sufficient income and cash flows from operations to meet
these installment obligations. To the extent that Novogyne pays these
obligations from cash generated by operations, the cash available for
distribution to its members (including Noven) will be reduced correspondingly.
If Novogyne's cash generated by operations is not sufficient to fund all or a
portion of the remaining installments, Noven and Novartis may contribute
additional capital to Novogyne. If Noven and Novartis elect not to contribute
the necessary additional capital, Novogyne would be required to raise additional
funds in order to meet its obligations, whether through the incurrence of
indebtedness or otherwise.

         Noven believes that it will have sufficient cash available to meet its
operating needs and anticipated short-term capital requirements, including any
additional capital contributions to Novogyne. For the long term, Noven intends
to utilize funds derived from the above sources, as well as funds generated
through sales of products under development. Noven expects that such funds will
be comprised of payments received pursuant to future licensing arrangements, as
well as Noven's direct sales of its own products. Noven expects that its cash
requirements will continue to increase, primarily to fund clinical studies for
products under development and for plant and equipment to expand production
capacity. There can be no assurance that Noven will successfully complete the
development of such products, that Noven will obtain regulatory approval for any
such products, that any approved product may be produced in commercial
quantities, at reasonable costs, and be successfully marketed, or that Noven
will successfully negotiate future licensing arrangements. To the extent that
capital requirements exceed available capital, Noven will seek alternative
sources of financing to fund its operations. In addition to the Credit Facility,
alternative financing may be needed to fund further activities. No assurance can
be given that alternative financing will be available, if at all, in a timely
manner, or on favorable terms. If Noven is unable to obtain satisfactory
alternative financing, Noven may be required to delay or reduce its proposed
expenditures, including expenditures for research and development and plant and
equipment, in order to meet its future cash requirements.

ITEM  3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.

        Noven had no variable rate debt outstanding during the six months ended
June 30, 2001. Therefore, changes in interest rates did not affect interest
expense, earnings or cash flows in that period. Market risks relating to Noven's
operations may result from changes in LIBOR interest rates if Noven borrows
under its Credit Facility. Noven cannot predict market fluctuations in interest
rates and their impact on any variable rate debt that Noven may have outstanding
from time to time, nor can there be any assurance that fixed rate long-term debt
will be available at favorable rates, if at all.



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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 5, 2001.

(i)      Election of Directors

                                               FOR              AGAINST
                                          -----------        -----------
Sidney Braginsky                           19,076,966           103,709
John G. Clarkson, M.D.                     18,944,326           236,349
Lawrence J. DuBow                          19,081,811            98,864
Regina E. Herzlinger                       19,081,536            99,139
Steven Sablotsky                           14,899,321         4,281,354
Robert C. Strauss                          14,886,662         4,294,013



(ii)     The approval of an amendment to Noven's Restated Certificate of
         Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common
         stock from 40 million to 80 million was approved by an affirmative vote
         of 18,074,162 shares to a negative vote of 1,090,414 shares, with
         16,099 shares abstaining.

(iii)    The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Noven's
         independent certified public accountants for 2001 was approved by an
         affirmative vote of 18,995,587 shares to a negative vote of 167,761
         shares, with 17,327 shares abstaining.

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)      EXHIBITS

3.1      Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation, dated
         June 5, 2001.

10.1     Development Agreement, dated June 1, 2001, between Novartis Pharma AG
         and Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

(b)      REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

                  On April 4, 2001, Noven filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
         relating to the acquisition of Combipatch(TM) by Novogyne and the
         results of Noven's preliminary analysis of the Phase III clinical study
         for its transdermal methylphenidate product.

---------------------------
*    Noven agrees to furnish a copy of the exhibits and schedules to this
     agreement to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.



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<PAGE>   17


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                                   NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.





Date:      AUGUST 10, 2001                      By:    /s/ JAMES B. MESSIRY
                                                        --------------------
                                                        James B. Messiry
                                                        Vice President and
                                                        Chief Financial Officer



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