(Reuters) – Novartis’ core operating income edged up 3% in the quarter that began, partly due to sales growth of new drugs. However, unfavourable currency effects partially offset this.

According to the Swiss drugmaker, quarterly core operating income grew by $4.08 billion from $3.96 million a year prior.

Quartly revenue from Cosentyx’s arthritis and psoriasis drugs increased 12% to $1.16 Billion in constant currencies, slightly less than analysts’ average forecasts of $1.19 Billion, according to Refinitiv data.

Entresto saw 42% growth in heart failure treatments, exceeding market expectations of $1 billion.

($1 = 0.9207 Swiss francs)