Patient groups provide people with support and information on how to live with their disease, represent patient views and campaign for change on issues that affect patients’ and carers lives.  Some also carry out vital research into the causes and potential treatments for specific conditions.
We work with a wide range of patient groups in a variety of different disease areas, such as cancer, asthma, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Our interest in patient advocacy is about understanding patient needs and their illness. Our aim is to support the voice of patients and to foster a constructive healthcare debate for all stakeholders'. GSK and patient groups share a vision to improve patient’s access to effective treatments and services.
Transparency and ethical standards
We are committed to working with patient groups at the highest levels of transparency and ethical standards. Key principles of our work with patient groups are trust and mutual respect. We enter into relationships committed to sustaining a long-term working relationship, which also reinforces the credibility and independence of patient groups.
Global principles for working with patient groups:

• The independence of patient groups, of their political judgement and of their activities shall be assured.
• In all co-operative matters, transparency is vital.
• Any joint policies undertaken between patient groups and GSK shall be based on mutual respect and trust.
• We shall refrain from using undue influence to promote specific medicines or services.
• In any working with patient groups we will always comply with local laws/governance.