From CNBC: 2025-04-29 04:22:00

Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis AG exceeded expectations with a 15% increase in first-quarter net sales to $13.2 billion and a 27% rise in adjusted core operating income to $5.58 billion. The company raised its full-year guidance, anticipating high single-digit sales growth and low double-digit core operating income growth for 2025.

Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan highlighted strong sales of heart-failure drug Entresto, arthritis medication Cosentyx, and growing demand for Kisqali breast cancer treatment, Kesimpta multiple sclerosis medication, and Leqvio cholesterol drug. The company also secured new approvals for drugs like Pluvicto prostate cancer treatment, aiming for continued growth through 2030.

Amidst fears of U.S. tariffs on pharmaceuticals, Narasimhan expressed caution against sector-specific levies, emphasizing the need to maintain global medication flow without disruption. Novartis announced a $23 billion investment in U.S. facilities to secure domestic production of key medicines for American patients, ensuring a strategic positioning against potential tariffs.

As European pharmaceutical firms boost U.S. investments to navigate tariff uncertainties, Novartis stands out with its $23 billion commitment to build and expand U.S. facilities over five years. CEO Narasimhan reiterated the strategic decision to prioritize U.S. production for long-term growth, emphasizing readiness to manage potential tariff disruptions with ample U.S. inventory.



Read more at CNBC:: Novartis earning Q1 2025