Sales jump at GSK on strong demand for specialty drugs

(Sharecast News) - GSK posted above-forecast first-quarter profits on Wednesday, boosted by robust demand for its specialist HIV and oncology drugs. The blue chip pharma saw sales rise 2%, or by 5% on a constant currency basis, to £7.6bn, while core earnings per share came in at 46.5p per share, up 9% and ahead of consensus for 43.3p.

Speciality medicines, GSK's largest division, reported a 14% hike in sales to £3.2m. GSK said it had seen continued growth across disease areas during the period, including HIV, respiratory, immunology and inflammation, and oncology.

Vaccine revenues rose 4% to £2.1bn, as robust demand for shingles jab Shringrix helped offset falling sales of its meningitis vaccines and low seasonal uptake of Arexvy, which is designed to protect against lung infections.

General medicines sales, in contrast, fell 6% to £2.3bn, hit by generic competition and pricing pressures.

Recently-installed chief executive Luke Miels said: "GSK has made a strong start to 2026, with a good performance from our key growth drivers.

"Alongside operational delivery, we are focused on execution and acceleration research and development."

Previously chief commercial officer, Miels took over the top job from long-serving former incumbent Emma Walmsley in January.

GSK also confirmed on Wednesday its full-year outlook, for turnover growth of between 3% and 5%, and core EPS growth of between 7% and 9%.

See latest RNS on Investegate