GSK (GlaxoSmithKline plc) is a London-headquartered, multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company formed through the 2000 merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. The company is dual-listed and operates globally, developing, manufacturing and commercializing prescription medicines, vaccines and specialty treatments. Over its history GSK has evolved through portfolio reshaping and strategic transactions to focus on science-led pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
GSK’s core activities include research and development of therapies and vaccines across a range of therapeutic areas, commercial manufacturing, and global marketing. The company maintains an active R&D pipeline and engages in collaborations and partnerships with academic institutions and biopharmaceutical companies to advance new medicines. GSK is also a major shareholder in ViiV Healthcare, a specialist company focused on HIV treatment and prevention.
In recent years GSK completed a significant corporate reorganization, including the demerger of its consumer healthcare business into a separate company (Haleon) in 2022, allowing GSK to concentrate on pharmaceuticals and vaccines. The company sells products across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, operating manufacturing and R&D sites in multiple countries to support its global footprint.
GSK’s executive leadership is led by Chief Executive Officer Emma Walmsley, who has overseen the company’s strategic refocus toward innovation in medicines and vaccines. The firm emphasizes investment in R&D, strategic partnerships and pipeline development as central components of its long-term strategy in the global biopharmaceutical sector.