Genetically Modified Organisms
GlaxoSmithKline is in the forefront of the development and
application of new scientific techniques to discover and develop new
medicines and vaccines. We routinely use genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) in the research and discovery of new therapeutic
agents and also in the efficient manufacture of certain medical
products such as vaccines.
Research and development operations use GMOs in a wide range of
laboratory activities in our work to discover and develop new
medicines. More specifically, they are used to identify the genetic
targets and causes of disease, and to develop new drugs for
conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and depression, as well
as antibiotics. We use a number of different GMOs,
predominantly harmless organisms such as disabled strains of the
bacterium E.coli and eukaryotic cells in culture.
All work with GMOs within GlaxoSmithKline is controlled to the
strictest national and international regulations, and we apply best
practice across all our facilities. Any work with GMOs is subject to
full risk assessment including safe conditions of use, storage and
disposal. Any laboratory work with GMOs is performed under
conditions of contained use, using containment laboratories
appropriate to the risk of the materials handled. The large-scale
fermentation or propagation of GMOs in research and development is
always undertaken in fully contained systems. All processes are
performed in closed vessels minimising the risk of release, in line
with existing legislation and best practice. All work is controlled
by written procedures, and regular maintenance checks ensure the
processes are operated to the necessary level of contained use.
We also manufacture a number of products that are derived from
genetically modified materials, such as Hepatitis B vaccine. GMOs
are sometimes used as intermediates in the manufacturing process of
medicines such as antibiotics, but GlaxoSmithKline does not produce
any products that are or contain viable organisms. We have no plans
to introduce products that are live GMO's for the foreseeable
future. All manufacturing processes also operate under conditions of
contained use to prevent the release of any GMOs to the
environment.
GlaxoSmithKline has a policy of routinely treating all waste from
our GMO operations, to ensure we do not release viable GMOs from our
contained processes into the environment. As a result, all GMOs are
inactivated prior to disposal by chemical or heat treatment.
We do not routinely undertake research and development involving
the cultivation of genetically modified plant species. However, one
exception was a small-scale field trial undertaken in Australia to
develop morphine-containing medicines, which are only available on
prescription from a doctor. Research was focused on increasing the
yield of alkaloids in poppies with enhanced properties to develop
more effective pain management medicines. The Australian government
strictly controlled these small-scale trials. These trials have now
been completed, and there are no plans at this stage to move to
large scale production of GM poppies.
|
