GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (NYSE:GSK) is celebrating another milestone; the opening of its newest global vaccines R&D center in Rockville, Maryland. The company’s vaccines business is upbeat at the moment, hence the new move will help in strengthening and expanding its presence in the USA. Over 150 guests witnessed the official opening of the facility by the CEO of GSK, Sir Andrew Witty, in the presence of Luc Debruyne president of global vaccines, GSK and Lieutenant Governor of Mary, Boyd Rutherford.
Speaking during the event, Debruyne said, “We are delighted to be opening our new facility in Rockville, GSK’s first fully dedicated vaccines R&D center located in the US. Our investment here signifies our commitment to discovering and developing new vaccines across a range of pressing public health priorities, including those important here in the US. It places GSK at the heart of a dynamic and cutting edge bioscience hub in Washington, D.C.”
GSK’s vaccines business one of the largest in the world
The positioning of GSK’s new unit in Rockville is ideal given that the location has proximity to PATH—which is already a GSK partner for malaria vaccine development. It is also near the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The new center will not only host 450 researchers and support staffers, but it will also create up to 200 new jobs.
Notably, GSK has been doing well with its vaccines over the years given that it has the broadest portfolio of the industry. It makes available 39 pediatric, adolescent, adult and traveler vaccines, which have a protection capability of over 21 different diseases the likes of hepatitis, meningitis, influenza among others. In fact, the company delivered over 1.9 million vaccines to more than 150 countries worldwide. Thus the opening of the Rockville facility emphasizes the importance of GSK’s vaccine business.
Looking forward to fruitful partnerships and collaborations
GSK aims at developing new vaccines against emerging pathogens quickly and efficiently. This is possible given the company’s commitment to attending a range of pressing public health priorities. The new facility will house 12 vaccine development programs as well as projects supporting its candidate shingles vaccine.
The company says that for purposes of advancing the science of vaccines, it will seek partnerships and collaborations. This will help in achieving its goal of improving the health of millions of people around the globe. Meanwhile, GSK’s stock was trading at $37.96 a decrease of $0.49 or 1.27%.
