Pharmaceutical jobs provider Novartis has highlighted its business growth in the first quarter of 2011 after recording a 14 per cent year-on-year sales increase.
The company generated $14 billion (£8.59 billion) during the first three months of the year, though its profit levels were impacted by the expected drop in demand for pandemic flu vaccine and the cost of its Alcon takeover.
During the quarter, the company was able to attain EU approval for its groundbreaking oral multiple sclerosis therapy Gilenya, while reporting positive clinical trial data on the developmental JAK inhibitor INC424.
Meanwhile, the Alcon merger - which was completed on April 8th 2011 - is expected to act as a vital growth platform for the company, allowing it to address a range of unmet needs in the eye health sector.
Novartis chief executive officer Joseph Jimenez said: "Contributions from all businesses led to a good start in 2011."
Earlier this month, industry analyst Diaceutics said Novartis is likely to be among the key beneficiaries of the personalised medicine trend in the coming years, suggesting it will become a leader in the field.