GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline is a multinational British pharmaceutical and healthcare company that engages in research and development, manufacturing and sale of pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter medications and consumer healthcare products. It offers a wide range of products that are used to treat various ailments and conditions including infections, heart and respiratory ailments, skin diseases, depression and cancer. GlaxoSmithKline also manufactures vaccines that fight life-threatening diseases and viruses, including hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, polio, typhoid and influenza. Additionally, the company provides over-the-counter medications such as Panadol, a paracetamol analgesic; and NicoDerm, a smoking control agent. In addition to this, its broad range of consumer healthcare products extend from well-known oral healthcare brands including Aquafresh and Sensodyne, to nutritional drinks like Lucozade. Another large success for GlaxoSmithKline has been the alli diet pills, the first FDA approved over the counter weight loss program. Alli diet pills have been used by millions to lose weight, and the program includes a online community website and the alli cookbook.

Since Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham merged to form GlaxoSmithKline in 2000, GSK has grown to become the second largest pharmaceutical company in the world in terms of net income, with reported revenues of £24.352 billion and a net income of £4.712 billion in 2008. The company’s single largest market is the United States, which contributes up to 45% of GlaxoSmithKline’s revenue. From its headquarters in the GSK House located in London, United Kingdom, it has expanded its operations and now offers its product line to about 70 countries while employing over 110,000 people around the world.