GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (GSK) is a British multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Brentford, London. Established in 2000 by a merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, GSK was the world's sixth largest pharmaceutical company as of 2015.

History

Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham announced their intention to merge in January 2000, with the merger completing in December of the same year, forming GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The merger created the largest pharmaceutical company in the world, with a market capitalisation of approximately $182 billion.

Operations

GSK's primary areas of business are pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer healthcare. The company's pharmaceutical operations produce medications in several therapeutic areas, including respiratory, HIV, cardiovascular and urology, metabolic, anti-infective and oncology.

Research and Development

GSK has a strong commitment to Research and Development (R&D). The company's R&D department focuses on developing new medicines and vaccines, as well as improving existing products. GSK's R&D efforts are fuelled by a profound commitment to improving health and well-being around the world.

Criticisms and Controversies

GSK has faced several criticisms and controversies, including allegations of drug misbranding, failure to report safety data, and bribery. The company has responded to these allegations by implementing a series of reforms and initiatives aimed at improving transparency and ethical standards.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical industry in the United Kingdom
• List of pharmaceutical companies