GlaxoSmithKline's global mission is 'to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, live longer', and this is the foundation upon which this global healthcare leader has built its steadfast reputation.
The company has its headquarters in the United Kingdom with operations based in the United States, and employs a staggering 100,000 employees worldwide. It has the largest sales force in the industry with almost 40,000 personnel. There are 108 manufacturing sites spread across 41 countries with 16,000 employees in R&D alone.
GSK leads in the four major therapeutic categories of anti-infectives, central nervous system (CNS), respiratory and gastro-intestinal / metabolic. With its increasing portfolio of oncology products and intensive vaccine development, GSK fully lives up to its global mission.
With a very healthy Consumer Healthcare portfolio as well, GSK further enhances its commitment to enabling consumers to become healthier and enhance longevity. Its over-the-counter medication, oral care products and nutritional healthcare drinks are hugely popular market leaders and household names.
Facts & Figures
Based on the 2002 annual results, the company recorded sales of £21.2 billion (approx. over RM120 billion).
GSK also invested a total of £2.7 billion (approx. RM16 billion) on R&D giving it a top position within the fields of genomics / genetics and new drug discovery technologies.
To give you an idea of the sheer numbers of GSK products being used worldwide, here are some interesting figures:
- 30 doses of vaccines per second
- 1,100 prescriptions for GSK products per minute
- US$450,000 spent on research into new medicines per hour
- 200 million people use a GSK brand toothbrush / toothpaste per day
Community Partnerships
Being a leader within the healthcare industry, GSK has taken the initiative to do its part for corporate social responsibility. Social responsibilities take top priority and this is especially evident in the programmes the company has set up and is actively involved in. In 2002, GSK spent £239 million supporting global community programs including product donations and charitable contributions.
The GSK Community Partnership encompasses a range of activities from healthcare and education to arts projects and scientific and medical research aimed at the betterment not only of the company’s employees but also the general public. On a global scale, the company is also involved in a host of schemes to combat health problems in the developing world via monetary and product donations, and employee involvement.
HIV/AIDS and Positive Action
GSK co-operates with UNAIDS and UNICEF in programmes aimed at facilitating access to treatment and preventing the maternal transmission of HIV to babies. The company was the first to offer preferential prices for its anti-retroviral drugs in developing countries enabling more patients to benefit. It is involved in HIV education, patient care and a program called Positive Action, which has led on to projects with the Centre for African Family Studies aimed at increasing awareness of people living with HIV/AIDS throughout Africa.
Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis
GSK and the WHO have embarked on one of the most ambitious health programmes ever undertaken with the aim of eliminating lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) – a disabling and disfiguring parasitic disease affecting 120 million people worldwide. The company has committed to donating its drug Albendazole and providing financial support for as long as it takes to eliminate the disease.
Malaria
Through the African Malaria Partnership, GSK supports communities in their fight against malaria by awarding grants of up to US$1.5 million over three years to selected development programs.
Access to Vaccines
Essential vaccines are made available to charities and agencies like UNICEF and the WHO, which purchase large quantities for use in global programmes for the immunization of children.
In 2002, GSK spent £239 million supporting global community programmes including product donations and charitable contributions.
With all these figures, one can see that not only is GSK a leader in the industry, but is also committed to its mission of improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer.
