GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) took its beginnings in 1715, in the shape of Plough Court Pharmacy. Today, almost three centuries later, it is one of the world s' leading research-based pharmaceutical companies with a diverse combination of skills and resources, providing a platform for delivering steady growth in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Besides its presence in Pakistan and many other parts of the world, GSK has its headquarters in the United Kingdom with operations based in the US as well.
GSK represents an estimated seven percent of the global pharmaceutical market, making it an industry giant.
GSK's mission is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
The people who work towards this goal firmly believe that by dedicating themselves towards delivering innovative solutions, they are in effect helping millions of people across the world live a longer and happier life.
The global GSK team comprises of over 100,000 employees. Over 42,000 employees work at 91 manufacturing sites in 38 countries and over 16,000 are in Research and Development (R&D). GSK R&D is based at 24 sites in seven countries.
GSK's leadership extends to ten major categories - anti-infectives, Anti-asthma, gastrointestinal/ metabolic, eye & ear preparation, analgesic, heamatinics an the lmintics, Dermatology and anti-malarial. Furthermore, it leads in the arena of vaccines and is largest vaccines supplier to UNICEF, with growing portfolio of oncology products.
The company also has a Consumer Healthcare portfolio, which consists of oral care products, nutritional healthcare drinks and over-the-counter medicines, all of which are among the market leaders.
Additionally, GSK is at the forefront in genomics/genetics and new drug discovery technologies.
Even in terms of global sales figures, GSK's strength and standing are clear. Based on 2003 annual results, GSK had sales of $35.2 billion, with a total pharmaceutical turnover growth of 5%, to just over $29 billion.
GSK realises the implications of the role it has to play. In light of its international standing, GSK has community investment programs, and as the company continues to grow, so do these programs.
The company's flagship community program is its key role in the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis - A 2 decade program to eliminate one of the world's most disfiguring and disabling diseases in the world is one of the pharmaceutical industry s' largest donation programmes.
Strategically, GSK intends to be the leader in the industry, not just in terms of its size, but also in how their leadership attains its primary goals - a desire to better the lives of people across the globe.
GSK is also leading the battle against HIV/AIDS, not only contributing by means of research and development of medicines that treat the disease, but by identifying and implementing additional initiatives that are needed to intensify and eventually win the battle that has been waged on HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, GSK works with its partners to provide effective HIV education, prevention, enhanced care, support and treatment for people living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Internationally, GSK leads many programs in countries the world over. Here in Pakistan, The Concern for Children Trust is a charity established to promote the health and wellbeing of children, with specific focus on preventive and primary healthcare and education. GSK clinic located at Landhi,a suburban town provides free out-patient consultancy to the community of the adjoining areas.
GSK has provided funding for healthcare screening and education for children in extremely low-income areas of Karachi, a venture which has been widely appreciated and encouraged by the city. The program also works to educate children and, through them, the rest of the community.
As one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, GSK realises its responsibilities, and successfully fulfils them by any and all means at their disposal.
True to their primary ideology, GSK truly strives towards improving the lives of people across the world, enabling them to do more, feel better, and indeed, live longer.