Gp160

Glaxo

Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Pharmaceutical
Products	Pharmaceuticals

Glaxo was a pharmaceutical company that originated in New Zealand and later became part of the multinational corporation GlaxoSmithKline. It played a significant role in the development and distribution of various pharmaceutical products throughout the 20th century.

History

Glaxo was founded in 1873 by Joseph Nathan as a general trading company in Wellington, New Zealand. Initially, the company was involved in the import and export of various goods, including foodstuffs and agricultural products. In the early 1900s, Glaxo began to focus on the production of dried milk products, which were marketed under the brand name "Glaxo".

In 1904, Glaxo Laboratories was established in London, marking the company's entry into the pharmaceutical industry. The company expanded its product line to include a range of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines and antibiotics. During the 20th century, Glaxo became known for its research and development efforts, particularly in the field of antibiotics.

Merger and Evolution

In 1995, Glaxo merged with Wellcome, another major pharmaceutical company, to form Glaxo Wellcome. This merger was part of a trend of consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry, driven by the need for increased research and development capabilities and global market reach.

In 2000, Glaxo Wellcome merged with SmithKline Beecham to form GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. This merger further expanded the company's product portfolio and research capabilities.

Products and Contributions

Glaxo was known for its development of several important pharmaceutical products, including:

• Penicillin: Glaxo was involved in the mass production of penicillin during World War II, which was a critical development in the treatment of bacterial infections.
• Zantac: A blockbuster drug for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which became one of the best-selling drugs in the world.
• Ventolin: A widely used medication for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Research and Development

Glaxo invested heavily in research and development, establishing several research facilities around the world. The company's focus on innovation led to the development of new drugs and treatments that have had a significant impact on global health.

Legacy

The legacy of Glaxo is carried on through its successor, GlaxoSmithKline, which continues to be a leader in the pharmaceutical industry. GSK is involved in the research, development, and distribution of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, oncology treatments, and consumer healthcare products.

Also see

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Wellcome
• SmithKline Beecham
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Antibiotics