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GSK PLC on Thursday said it is investing £1 billion in research & development to fight infectious diseases like HIV and malaria in lower income countries over the next 10 years.
The focus will be on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and a ‘new emphasis on neglected tropical diseases and anti-microbial resistance.’ The London-based biopharmaceutical firm added that it will uphold donations of ‘[tapeworm medicine] albendazole until the elimination of lymphatic filariasis, and double production of its adjuvant for use in the RTS,S malaria vaccine,’ which was endorsed by the World Health Organisation in October 2021.
In particular, the investment focuses on partnerships to end HIV/AIDS, reduce antibiotic resistance, advance GSK's pipeline for vaccines, and increase external funding for high-burden infectious diseases.
The ‘new commitments support GSK's ambition to positively impact the health of more than 2.5 billion people in the next ten years,’ the company explained during its announcement at the Kigali Summit on malaria and neglected tropical diseases in Rwanda.
‘Some diseases have persisted because the vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat them dont exist or have become less effective due to growing resistance. GSK's announcement demonstrates their commitment to close the innovation gap and is a pivotal step towards removing infectious disease as a barrier to a healthier and more equal world,’ says Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Minister of Health for Malawi.
GSK shares were 1.1% higher at 1,724.20 pence each in London on Thursday afternoon.
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