Novartis highlights positive underlying trends in second quarter of 2015

Novartis has announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2015, during which it delivered a net sales total of $12.7 billion (8.16 billion pounds).

This was down by five percent year on year on a reported basis, but represented an increase of six percent in constant currency terms. The shortfall in the reported results was attributed to the recent strengthening of the US dollar.

Strong performances for its pharmaceuticals and generics divisions helped to offset the weak results delivered by the Alcon business, with the launches of products such as Entresto, Glatopa, Zykadia and Promacta all driving growth.

Its net sales from continuing operations are expected to grow in the mid-single-digit range for the full year of 2015.

Joseph Jimenez, chief executive officer of Novartis, said: "We are confident we will deliver on our priorities for the year and confirm our full-year guidance."

Last month, the company expanded its commercial capabilities with the acquisition of Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, a developer of new peripheral approaches to treat neuropathic pain.