Swiss drug firm Novartis reported on Tuesday that it had generated a better-than-expected profit in the first three months of the year.
Net sales were up 15% on a constant currency basis to $13.2 billion, compared to the $13.12 billion estimated by analysts.
Core operating income came to $5.6 billion, up 23% in the last quarter.
On the strong results, the firm increased its outlook for the year, predicting that sales will rise by high-single digits and core operating income will grow by low double-digits. In January, the firm gave a wider range.
Sales in the last quarter were driven by medicines which manage conditions including arthritis, breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, and heart-failure.