GlaxoSmithKline tops 2012 Access to Medicines Index

GlaxoSmithKline has been ranked top of the latest Access to Medicines Index, highlighting its strong performance in making healthcare options available in developing nations.

The UK-based firm came in first place in the 20-strong list for the third time, scoring highest in categories such as general access to medicine management, research and development activity, capability advancement, and drug donation and philanthropy.

Compiled by the Access to Medicines Foundation, the index is published every two years and measures companies across a range of strategic and technical areas, as well as analysing broader industry trends.

Coming in behind GlaxoSmithKline were leading pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson and Johnson, Sanofi, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Gilead Sciences, Novo Nordisk and Novartis.

GlaxoSmithKline's chief executive officer Sir Andrew Witty said: "We recognise there is more we can do and we will continue to challenge ourselves to adopt and deliver new ideas and approaches to improve lives around the world."

Earlier this month, the company announced that it will be supporting the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace next July, thus highlighting its commitment to innovation and excellence during the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.