GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline plc, commonly known as GSK, is a British multinational pharmaceutical company formed in 2000 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and operates in more than 100 countries. GSK is a member of the FTSE 100 and trades on the London Stock Exchange, with American depositary receipts listed in the United States.

GSK’s business activities are centered on Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines. A consumer health care business was spun off as a separate company, Haleon, in 2022. The company also operates ViiV Healthcare, a global HIV-focused joint venture majority-owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as minority partners. ViiV Healthcare concentrates on antiretroviral medicines and related therapies for HIV.

The pharmaceutical portfolio includes medicines across respiratory, infectious disease, oncology and immunology, alongside vaccines. Notable vaccine products include Shingrix for shingles and Fluarix for influenza, among others. Shingrix has become a leading component of GSK’s vaccine strategy. The vaccines and medicines businesses together aim to address global health needs, supported by extensive research and development networks.

GSK has faced regulatory and safety scrutiny over the years, including historical concerns related to certain products such as Avandia (rosiglitazone) for diabetes and related marketing and safety issues. The company continues to engage with regulators and to adjust its product portfolio in response to evolving safety data and public health priorities.

Research and development are central to GSK’s strategy, with R&D activities conducted worldwide to advance new vaccines and therapies. The company collaborates with governments, academic institutions and other partners to address unmet medical needs and to improve global health outcomes.