GlaxoSmithKline plc (TSX:GSK) News and Share Price

GlaxoSmithKline is a multinational pharmaceutical firm that provides vaccines and medicines for multiple ailments and diseases.

The company has its roots in a Philadelphia-based drug store, opened by John K Smith and his brother-in-law in 1830.

In 1891, the company, known as Smith, Kline & Company, French, Richards & Company, became Smith, Kline, and French Company.

The trademark 'Glaxo' was registered in 1909.

In 1989, following a merger between SmithKline Beckman and the Beecham Group, SmithKline Beecham plc. was formed, a predecessor to the present firm.

Further, in 2000, Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham merged to form the present entity, known as GSK.

The British company conducts research, manufactures, markets and develops vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs and other consumer healthcare products.

The company provides treatment and medicines for infection, skin conditions, asthma, depression, cancer and circulatory and heart diseases.

The company is reportedly considered one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers and has been delivering vaccines for over 100 years now.

The pharma company develops vaccines for smallpox, hepatitis, rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, meningitis, etc. In addition, it claims to provide 70 per cent of the total vaccines manufactured to emerging countries. The company further claims that its pharmaceutical products and vaccines are subject to stringent quality checks and regulatory approvals.

It operates through various subsidiaries like Tesaro, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Alacer Corp, Stiefel Laboratories, Galvani Bioelectronics, etc.

Otrivin, Sensodyne, Aquafresh, Theraflu, Panadol, Excedrin, Advil, ENO, Zovirax and Fenistil are some of the top products in the consumer healthcare and pharmaceutical segment, reportedly.

Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company, Amgen, SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc, Vivus, etc., are some of the leading players in the global healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.

In August 2019, the company combined its consumer healthcare business into a joint venture partnership with Pfizer. As part of the transaction within the next three years, the pharmaceutical company intends to the consumer healthcare joint venture into a separate company via a demerger.

The company also provides various minerals, vitamins and supplements under a portfolio of health and wellness brands, including Caltrate, Emergen-C and Centrum.