GlaxoSmithKline to provide Hurricane Sandy relief

GlaxoSmithKline has pledged its support for relief efforts designed to aid those affected by Hurricane Sandy across the US and Caribbean.

The pharmaceutical company has donated $250,000 (157,300 pounds) to the American Red Cross to help US victims of the natural disaster, while $80,000 has been given to the British Red Cross for relief efforts in the wider Caribbean region.

Moreover, the organisation is matching dollar-for-dollar all employee contributions to the Red Cross and other relief organisations in the US, as well as directly working to support employees affected by the storm.

Deirdre Connelly, president for GlaxoSmithKline's North American pharmaceuticals division, said: "Our hearts go out to those who have experienced loss due to the storm. We hope our support will help relief workers respond to their most pressing needs."

Last week, the company welcomed a recent pledge by the British Medical Journal to improve its clinical data transparency, saying this ties in with GlaxoSmithKline's own efforts in this area.