IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Novartis earnings edge up

Drug maker Novartis AG posted a 1 percent increase in third-quarter net profit on strong sales of pharmaceuticals, such as its new Afinitor drug against kidney cancer, as well as its swine flu vaccines.

The profit of $2.1 billion was up from $2 billion in the same period of 2008. But the company's operating income growth was largely offset by charges for associated companies, including a research and development project impairment related to eye care company Alcon. Increased financing costs and a higher tax rate also prevented a better result, Novartis said.