Johnson & Johnson, the US drugs and health care firm, has reported a strong rise in both profits and sales during the last three months of the year.

The firm said that strong worldwide sales of prescription drugs and US sales of medical devices has driven the strong performance.

The company also announced that William Weldon will become chief executive and chairman of the group, taking over from Ralph Larsen who is retiring in July.

Worldwide sales climbed 15% to $8.4bn during the last three months of the year, bringing the full year sales growth to 11%.

Net income excluding special charges jumped 23% to $1.2bn during the last three months of the year.