GSK Tops the Access to Medicine Index

GSK maintained its top position this year in the Access to Medicine Index, released annually since 2008. GSK, leading for the eighth consecutive time, announced it will invest GBP 100 million over the next decade to strengthen health systems and support access initiatives in low-income countries. GSK retained its leadership in the Access to Medicine Index, which independently evaluates the activities of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies in improving medicine access in low and middle-income countries. In the index, prepared by an independent organization and based on the progress pharmaceutical companies have made in improving medicine access in 108 countries, GSK has held the top position from the outset. GSK's first-place ranking this year is significantly supported by the activities of a dedicated global health team established to increase access to medicines and vaccines needed in low and lower-middle-income countries. Distinguished by establishing a research and development system capable of implementing scientific innovations for global health priorities, GSK is also preparing to invest GBP 1 billion over the next decade to accelerate research and development efforts against infectious diseases affecting low-income countries. Named in the Access to Medicine Index report as the company allocating the largest share of research and development work to treating globally prioritized diseases such as malaria and HIV, GSK stands out with its efforts to increase access to treatment and preventive health solutions for infectious diseases, particularly targeting children and young populations in underdeveloped and developing countries.

GSK Chief Executive Officer Emma Walmsley made the following comments on the matter:

"We are pleased to rank first for the eighth consecutive time in the Access to Medicine Index. We would like to extend our special thanks to all our partners who have supported us in experiencing this achievement once again. This success demonstrates recognition of the steps we have taken to prevent disease and improve access to medicines and vaccines in low-income countries. As GSK, we have the largest research and development pipeline in the sector for priority diseases in global health, and we are committed to investing GBP 1 billion in global health research and development over the next decade. In addition, we have the objective of implementing an investment of GBP 100 million over the next decade to help create stronger health systems and access in low-income countries."