GSK Faces Slump in RSV and Shingles Vaccine Sales Amid CDC Guidance Changes

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is grappling with a notable decline in its vaccine sales, especially affecting its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Arexvy, and the shingles vaccine, Shingrix. In the third quarter, Arexvy witnessed an unprecedented 72% drop in sales to £188 million, a significant downturn attributed to changes in CDC guidelines that narrowed immunization recommendations. Similarly, Shingrix sales decreased by 7% to £739 million, contributing to an overall 3% drop in GSK's shares trading in the U.S. market[1][2]. The shift in CDC guidance, along with a focus on COVID-19 vaccinations and lower RSV infection rates, prompted GSK to adjust its annual vaccine sales forecast, anticipating a low single-digit decline[2]. Despite these setbacks, company leaders remain hopeful about Arexvy's market potential, banking on international expansion and changes in vaccination guidelines in the future[1].