Emma Walmsley, chief executive officer, GSK said: "GSK delivered improved operating performance in 2018 with group sales growth, strong commercial execution of new product launches, especially Shingrix, continued cost discipline and better cash generation. Read More Related Articles "It was also a significant year for the Group strategically, with the launch of a new R&D strategy focused on immunology, genetics and new technologies, together with a series of transactions that support our strategy and reshape of the Group's portfolio." Pharmaceuticals sales were flat at AER but up 2% CER, driven primarily by the growth in HIV sales and the new respiratory products, Nucala and the Ellipta portfolio.