GSK named industry leader in improving access to medicine

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was named the industry leader in improving access to drugs and vaccines, according to the new Access to Medicines Index.

Published by Netherlands-based Access to Medicine Foundation, the Index showed GSK ranks highest and leads in 5 of the 8 categories measured, namely, access to medicines management, research and development, equitable pricing, patents and licensing, and drug donations.

The report highlighted GSK’s solid Access to Medicine practices including strong investments into research and development, flexibility with regards to patents, and willingness to be more transparent on pricing issues not only for communicable diseases but also for chronic diseases.

The Index, carried out in partnership with global investment research firm Innovest Strategic Value Advisors, measured and rated efforts by individual drug companies to increase the number of people that have access to effective and affordable medicine. This year, 20 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies were assessed based on 8 main criteria, including companies’ management of policies increasing access, the amount of research and development in the ‘neglected diseases’ area, patenting and licensing policies and the use of fair pricing systems.

The study cites several GSK programs as leading edge practices in the area of licensing and pricing. GSK’s licensing agreements with a generic company in Canada allowed it to use two of its patented anti-retroviral drug to create new medicine for distribution in Rwanda. Meanwhile, it’s "Tearing down the Barriers" concept is working to increase access to medicines in low and middle-income countries such as India and South Africa.

In the Philippines, GSK carries out its commitment to improve access to medicines through its ValueHealth program. Launched in 2004, ValueHealth offers significant price reductions for GSK’s original branded medicines for the treatment of common ailments and was established in response to Filipinos’ need for improved access to high quality and affordable medicines.

Now on its fifth year, ValueHealth continues to provide Filipino patients with affordable and effective treatments for ailments such as cough, bacterial infections and asthma.

"We are truly pleased that GSK was recognized as a leader and key player in helping address the global healthcare challenges" says Rick T Gain, President and Managing Director of GSK Philippines. "GSK takes its commitment to improving people’s health seriously and we hope that through ValueHealth, we are able to help more Filipinos enjoy better access to high quality and affordable medicines."

The full Access to Medicines Index report may be viewed at www.atmindex.org.

GlaxoSmithKline is ranked highest in this year’s Access to Medicines Index, emerging as the clear leader in "Access to Medicine Management", "R&D that Reflects both the Global Disease Burden and Neglected Diseases", "Equitable Pricing" and "Patents & Licensing."