Jan 31 Reuters GSK beat market estimates for fourthquarter profit and sales on Wednesday, underpinned by a strong launch of its respiratory syncytial virus RSV vaccine Arexvy and steady demand for its shingles shot and HIV medicines.

The British drugmaker reported a profit of 28.9 pence per share on sales of 8.05 billion pounds 10.20 billion, compared with analysts39; average expectations of 28.63 pence profit on sales of 7.29 billion pounds, according to LSEG data.

The results mark the first annual year without GSK39;s consumer healthcare business, which was spun off in July 2022.

CEO Emma Walmsley39;s strategy is centred around sharpening the company39;s focus on vaccines and infectious diseases and with 7 billion generated by the spinoff, GSK looks to fund deals to bolster a lacklustre drug pipeline.

The Londonlisted company expects its adjusted profit per share to increase between 6 and 9 in 2024, on sales growth of 57.

Analysts on average expect the company to post a profit of 154.5 pence apiece on sales of 31 billion pounds for 2024, according to a companycompiled consensus.

1 0.7892 pounds

Reporting by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry JacobPhillips

Source Reuters