Simulations Plus Inc. on Friday reported a 32 percent rise in fiscal first quarter profit, as its pharmaceutical industry customers stepped up purchase of its subscription-based research and development software.

The Lancaster company reported net income of $568,000 (3 cents per share), compared with $430,000 (2 cents) a year earlier. Revenue rose more than 15 percent to $2.81 million.

Simulations Plus makes several software products that enable drug developers and life science companies to simulate costly and time-consuming laboratory tests. The company also offers an educational software series for science students in middle and high schools.

“We’ve experienced steady growth and new record quarter-over-quarter performance for a number of years, including through the recent global downturn,” said Chief Executive Walt Woltosz in a statement.

Shares were up 7 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $2.89 in midday trading on the Nasdaq.