GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company engaged in the creation and discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and health-related consumer products. 
GSK claims to have leadership in four major therapeutic areas - anti-infectives, central nervous system (CNS), respiratory and gastro-intestinal/metabolic. In addition, it is a leader in the area of vaccines and has a growing portfolio of oncology products.
The company also has a Consumer Healthcare portfolio comprising over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, oral care products and nutritional healthcare drinks.
GSK has 99,003 employees worldwide. Around 33,000 employees work at 85 manufacturing sites in 37 countries and over 15,000 are in R&D.
Company movements
In July 2009, GlaxoSmithKline completed its acquisition of Stiefel Laboratories. The new specialist dermatology business unit within GSK will operate under the name Stiefel, a GSK company.
The deal was first announced in April 2009.
History
GlaxoSmithKline was formed on 27 December 2000 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, both UK-based companies.
Pharmaceuticals
GSK manufactures and sells an extensive range of prescription medicines and vaccines. It also sells its prescription medicines primarily to wholesale drug distributors, independent and chain retail pharmacies, physicians, hospitals, clinics, government entities and other institutions.
Consumer Healthcare
Consumer Healthcare manufactures and markets a range of OTC medicines, oral care products and nutritional healthcare drinks. Consumer healthcare's OTC medicines include a range of smoking cessation, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal and analgesic medicines, dermatological products and vitamins and natural medicines. The Nutritional Drinks business is particularly strong in the UK, Ireland and India. The principal markets for the oral care products are the US, Germany and the UK.
GlaxoSmithKline
Strategy & Financial Highlights
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) states that it will address these challenges through three key strategic priorities that it believes will transform GSK into a company that delivers “more growth, less risk and an improved financial performance”. ICIS also provides you with key financial data listed in table form.
More about GlaxoSmithKline Strategy & Financial Highlights
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