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Biodiversity

GlaxoSmithKline supports the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) role in providing a framework for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. We also support the CBD objective to provide fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. GlaxoSmithKline is not currently involved in any bioprospecting activity for our R&D programmes. We also have no Access and Benefit Sharing agreements in place. If, however, we were to undertake development work using genetic resources obtained from natural resources indigenous to a particular country, access to those resources would be obtained in accordance with the CBD as reflected in local laws. Contracts would be negotiated as required with the appropriate party at the time of acquisition to ensure agreed benefits were provided. These benefits might amount to monetary payments and/or involve other types of benefits determined by mutual agreement on a case-by-case basis.

GlaxoSmithKline’s Position on Biodiversity

• 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.
• GlaxoSmithKline recognises that all nations have sovereignty over the biological resources and indigenous knowledge within their territorial boundaries. Unauthorised or unrestrained removal of natural materials from their indigenous habitats can harm the ecology and economy of the country concerned.
• GlaxoSmithKline’s drug discovery efforts are focussed on high-throughput screening of synthetic chemical compounds. We therefore have limited interest in natural material collecting and screening programmes.
• In the event of GlaxoSmithKline planning development work using genetic resources to be obtained from a particular country, access to those resources would be obtained in accordance with local laws as the CBD contemplates.

Specifically, GlaxoSmithKline undertakes to:

• Work only with organisations 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;
• Ensure that, where required by local laws, the appropriate authorities in source countries are informed of and consent to the nature and extent of any proposed natural materials collection;
• Protect biodiversity by classifying samples of plants and other organisms taxonomically and only investigate species if their supply is reproducible and sustainable;
• Work with small quantities of natural materials to discover bioactive principles. Where possible, synthesise further supplies of lead compounds and derivatives;
• Develop sustainable harvesting procedures to preserve the ecosystem from which the source material is derived, where further supplies of the active compound cannot be synthesised;
• Where appropriate, collaborate with organisations to educate and train local people in collecting and screening skills;
• Ensure that the access and benefit sharing agreement clearly sets out the benefits to be shared with the  the country of origin in the event of GlaxoSmithKline developing a commercial product based on a natural material;
• Only transport potentially hazardous research and 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 supporting 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.