Shingles vaccine helps GSK to strong first quarter

Propelled by positive results from a novel two-drug HIV regimen and a new shingles therapy, London’s GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) posted sales of £7.7 billion ($10 billion) for the first quarter of the year, higher than the some £7.5 billion analysts had expected.

That figure includes pharmaceutical sales of £4.2 billion, £1.5 billion from vaccines and £2 billion from the consumer healthcare division.

The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) figure was up 18% at 30.1 pence, well above analysts’ expectations of 26.1 pence. The company reaffirmed its guidance for full-year 2019, with adjusted EPS expected in the range of -5% to -9% at constant exchange rates.