Biodiversity
While GlaxoSmithKline does not use natural product collection as
a major source for existing products or as a major source of compounds
for development of pharmaceuticals, we do work with collaborative
partners such as Extracta in Brazil and the Centre for Natural Product
Research in Singapore to collect some natural products. Because of
the impact that their collection might have on biodiversity, medical
researchers must follow rigorous standards regarding evaluation and
collection of natural products. We are confident that our screening
activities are conducted according to the principles set out in the
Convention on Biodiversity (CBD).
GlaxoSmithKline's
Position on Biodiversity
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Natural resource materials are potentially valuable sources of novel biologically active molecules which, once identified, and their properties fully analysed, can serve as models for the invention of new, lifesaving medicines.
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GlaxoSmithKline recognises that all nations have sovereignty over the biological resources and indigenous knowledge within their territorial boundaries. Equally, unauthorised or unrestrained removal of natural materials from their indigenous habitats can harm the ecology and economy of the country concerned.
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GlaxoSmithKline's drug discovery efforts increasingly focus on high-throughput screening of synthetic chemical compounds. We therefore have limited interest in natural material collecting and screening programmes. However, where screening programmes are in place, the company supports the principles enshrined in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
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In the event of GlaxoSmithKline developing a commercial product from our natural material screening programmes, GlaxoSmithKline will ensure a clear benefit is returned to the country of origin. This benefit sharing may amount to payment of fair and reasonable royalties or other means determined by mutual agreement on a case-by-case basis.
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GlaxoSmithKline has a number of patents based on natural products and it is possible that more patents will arise from our screening programmes.
Specifically, GlaxoSmithKline has always undertaken to:
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work only with organisations and suppliers with the expertise and legal authority to collect plant and other natural material samples. These include botanic gardens, universities and research institutes around the world;
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ensure that the governments in developing countries are informed of and consent to the nature and extent of any proposed natural materials collection;
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protect biodiversity by classifying samples of plants and other organisms taxonomically and only investigate species if their supply is reproducible and sustainable;
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work with small quantities of natural materials to discover bioactive principles. Where possible further supplies of lead compounds and derivatives are synthesised;
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develop sustainable harvesting procedures to preserve the ecosystem from which the source material is derived where further supplies of the active compounds cannot be synthesised;
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where appropriate, collaborate with organisations to educate and train local people in collecting and screening skills;
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ensure an agreed benefit is returned directly or indirectly to the country of origin in the event of GlaxoSmithKline developing a commercial product based on a natural material;
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only transport potentially hazardous research & development material under contained use conditions and in accordance with the CBD's Cartagena Biosafety Protocol.
Conclusion
GlaxoSmithKline is fully aware of our responsibilities towards protecting biodiversity, respecting nature, and working with the communities in which these natural resource materials are found. By adhering to the principles of the CBD, we are confident that we are operating in a sustainable manner and in a way that will enable us to continue developing, manufacturing and marketing new and innovative medicines that enable people to do more, feel better and live longer.
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GlaxoSmithKline's manufacturing and research
and development sites located in Ware, UK initiated
a "Schools Go Wild" programme to improve
community links and increase awareness of the company's
environmental policies, particularly relating to Biodiversity.
The initiative provided a learning-based competition
for primary schools in the Ware area. The schools were
given a novel resource pack containing eight different
projects on creating a wildlife habitat in the school
play ground or garden. Schools that agreed to undertake
a six-week learning project and keep a record of the
outcomes and education benefits of the project work
could submit the record for judging. Fifteen primary
schools entered their reports on what students learned
from participating in a wide range of projects around
such activities as planting a wild flower/nectar border,
creating a deadwood habitat, developing a pond, building
bat boxes and feeding wild birds. Subsequent advertising
of the Schools Go Wild initiative through the Hertfordshire
Education Business Partnership has led to an unprecedented
level of interest in the project and the use of school
grounds as an educational resource.
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