A DRUGS firm is plotting new cancer and HIV treatments to strengthen its major healthcare divisions.

GlaxoSmithKline says it has nearly 40 vaccines in development to fight serious illnesses.

The company, which employs about 1,000 people in Barnard Castle, County Durham, also revealed new products already is use across its pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer healthcare have enjoyed strong performances.

According to second quarter results revealed today (Wednesday, July 29), the firm saw turnover rise to £5.8bn, with operating profits at £335m.

Sir Andrew Witty, chief executive, said it was helped by the success of the Bexsero and Menveo meningitis vaccines, which it picked up from a previous deal to buy rival Novartis’ treatments.

He said: “This is our first full quarter of performance since completion of the transaction with Novartis and it is encouraging.

“Our restructuring plans are on track and we remain confident we can achieve our targets for this year and return the group to earnings growth in 2016.

“Sales grew seven per cent on a reported basis, and new product performance was positive in all three of our businesses.

“We saw continued uptake of Bexsero and Menveo, and our new HIV drugs, Tivicay and Triumeq together generated sales of £294m.

“We will be showcasing further innovations later this year, when we expect to review advanced and early-stage development projects in HIV, oncology, vaccines, cardiovascular, immuno-inflammation and respiratory diseases.”

The company’s Barnard Castle factory makes antibiotics and liquid fillings for injections and nasal sprays, and previously produced about 130 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine to treat swine flu.

It is also the headquarters of its skin division and includes a £20m dermatology centre of excellence.