http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=aWGa_HZqay1o
July 31 (Bloomberg) -- GlaxoSmithKline Plc may reap 1.53 billion pounds ($2.52 billion) of sales from the outbreak of pandemic flu in the next six months, and that’s before the drugmaker introduces its latest influenza product.
Glaxo makes Relenza, the second-biggest-selling drug for people who have caught swine flu, and is developing a vaccine to prevent the spread of the bug. The sales forecast from Royal Bank of Scotland Plc doesn’t take into account the company’s newest venture: A mask to shield wearers from the virus.
While it’s too early to estimate potential sales of the masks, Relenza and the swine flu vaccine might bring in 1.53 billion pounds over the next six months, said Michael Leacock, an analyst at RBS in London. Roche Holding AG, by contrast, forecasts sales of 1.39 billion Swiss francs ($1.28 billion) for its Tamiflu antiviral drug. Novartis AG’s swine flu vaccine will likely bring in $290 million, while Sanofi-Aventis SA’s own shot will generate $270 million, Credit Suisse Group AG estimates.
“Glaxo is one of the best-positioned companies to respond to and benefit from increasing demand for pandemic and seasonal flu products,” Jeffrey
