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GSK’s Hepatitis B Breakthrough Push: Why the U.S. & China Could Unlock a Massive Treatment Opportunity!

GlaxoSmithKline plc reported a solid start to 2026 with first-quarter sales increasing by 5% to over GBP 7.6 billion. Growth was primarily supported by a 14% rise in Specialty Medicines and strong vaccine performance, notably Shingrix, which delivered record quarterly sales above GBP 1 billion, driven by uptake in European immunization programs and U.S. inventory restocking. Core operating profit grew 10% and earnings per share increased by 9%, supported by improved gross margins and stable selling, general and administrative expenses. Cash generation remained robust at GBP 1.4 billion, with a declared dividend of 17p for the quarter. Commercial momentum was mixed across segments. While Specialty Medicines, including HIV long-acting injectables like Dovato and Cabenuva, demonstrated double-digit growth and favorable market share gains, the General Medicines portfolio declined by 6%, affected by decreased sales in the older drug base and challenging U.S. market dynamics such as Medicare co-pay reforms impacting Trelegy.