GlaxoSmithKline and BJD to raise awareness of joint pain

GlaxoSmithKline is to collaborate with the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD) international initiative in order to raise awareness of health issues relating to joint pain.

The Liberate joint programme will revolve around educational efforts to highlight the importance of managing the condition holistically, via improvements to diet and exercise regimes, use of medicines and alternative therapies and a positive mental outlook.

Materials are to be distributed in English and other languages throughout the remainder of 2010 and 2011, containing information and advice from medical experts.

It is hoped that the scheme can provide support to sufferers of musculoskeletal conditions, which are the world's leading cause of disability and health-related absence from work.

Jacqueline Bain, a GlaxoSmithKline global director of medical marketing, said: "The aim of this programme is to show that there are simple ways to reduce joint pain, improve mobility, slow down the damage to joints and enhance quality of life."

Last week, GlaxoSmithKline announced plans to collaborate with Lonza to jointly manufacture trial batches of monoclonal antibodies for forthcoming clinical studies.