GSK TO OFFER AID TO EARTHQUAKE, TSUNAMI VICTIMS

Following in the footsteps of other drugmakers, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is joining the relief efforts to help the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami that have devastated countries in Asia and along the east coast of Africa.

GSK has already donated 1 million doses of essential antibiotics and expected to donate another million doses this week, including 600,000 doses of typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines, the company said in a statement. The company is currently working to meet requests for additional antibiotics, as well as needed OTC drugs.

GSK antibiotics have reached Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia through airlift operations by AmeriCares, the company said. GSK is working with AmeriCares, MAP International, Project HOPE, Interchurch Medical Alliance and Direct Relief International to supply its pharmaceuticals.

In addition to providing needed antibiotic treatments to the tsunami victims, GSK is planning to donate $3.8 million to organizations working on disaster relief in the area.