GSK cleared in Zantac cancer case by Illinois jury

Published 06/08/2024, 12:30
GSK cleared in Zantac cancer case by Illinois jury

In a recent legal development, GSK plc (NYSE:GSK), a leading pharmaceutical company, has been found not liable in the Joiner case, a lawsuit concerning its product Zantac (ranitidine). The jury in an Illinois state court ruled on Monday that GSK was not responsible for the plaintiff's colorectal cancer, aligning with the scientific viewpoint that ranitidine does not increase cancer risk.

The verdict follows a series of epidemiological studies that have indicated no substantial evidence linking the use of ranitidine to any form of cancer. GSK has expressed its intention to continue defending its position against any further litigation related to this matter.

The court had previously determined that the plaintiff could not seek punitive damages in this case. This decision comes as a significant legal victory for GSK amid ongoing scrutiny over the safety of ranitidine, a medication once widely used for treating heartburn and related conditions.

GSK, with its global presence, remains committed to advancing healthcare by combining science, technology, and talent to combat diseases.

This news is based on a press release statement.

In other recent news, GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) has reported a 13% increase in sales to £7.9 billion and a 21% rise in core operating profit to £2.5 billion in the second quarter. This robust financial performance led to an upgraded full-year guidance.

The company also experienced advancements in its drug pipeline, with the FDA approving the expanded use of Jemperli, a key product in GSK's immuno-oncology portfolio, for the treatment of endometrial cancer. This decision was based on the RUBY phase III trial results, which demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of death when Jemperli was used in combination with chemotherapy.

However, JPMorgan has reduced its price target on GSK shares to £15.50 from the previous £16.60, maintaining an Underweight rating. This adjustment follows GSK's recent quarterly performance and JPMorgan's updated forecasts for the company's future earnings. The investment firm anticipates a downward slide in consensus EPS forecasts for 2025 and 2026, largely due to expected erosion in the HIV segment and a pipeline not robust enough to compensate for these losses.

These recent developments reflect GSK's ongoing efforts in achieving robust financial performance and advancing treatments, while also highlighting the challenges the company may face in the future.

InvestingPro Insights

Amid legal triumphs and financial successes, GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) continues to demonstrate resilience in the pharmaceutical industry. The company's recent legal victory in the Joiner case, where it was absolved of liability related to its product Zantac, aligns with its historical reputation for stability, as indicated by an InvestingPro Tip highlighting the stock's generally low price volatility. This characteristic may provide a sense of security for investors in the face of ongoing litigation concerns.

Financially, GSK's robust performance is echoed in its market fundamentals. According to InvestingPro Data, the company boasts a strong free cash flow yield, as suggested by a P/E Ratio (Adjusted) of 10.24 and a significant Gross Profit Margin of 72.78% for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024. This financial strength is further bolstered by the fact that GSK has maintained dividend payments for 24 consecutive years, with a current Dividend Yield of 3.84%, and a Dividend Growth of 7.0% in the same period. This consistent return to shareholders is a testament to GSK's financial health and commitment to its investors.

Moreover, GSK's market capitalization stands at a solid $78.97 billion, reflecting its prominence as a key player in the pharmaceuticals industry, a fact also noted in the InvestingPro Tips. For those interested in a deeper dive into GSK's financial health and future prospects, there are 9 additional InvestingPro Tips available, providing a comprehensive analysis of the company's performance and outlook.

As GSK navigates the complexities of the pharmaceutical market, these insights underscore the company's financial acumen and strategic positioning. Investors and stakeholders can find further guidance and detailed analysis by exploring the full suite of InvestingPro Tips at https://www.investing.com/pro/GSK.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.