Pfizer and Merck have reported profit rises in the first quarter of 2017, signaling a positive year for the life science industry. Pfizer out-earned its projected Q1 profits with sales of breast cancer drug Ibrance and pain reliever Lyrica. Ibrance is expected to see competition throughout 2017 from Novartis’ Kesqali which was recently approved for commercialization. Read about Pfizer’s Q1 earnings here. Merck narrowly beat estimated Q1 earnings and stock averages through the sale of Keytruda, which stimulates the immune system. Company shares rose by 1.6%. Read about Merck’s Q1 earnings here.