GSK commits $100m to increase vaccine manufacturing in US

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced plans to invest $100m to support long-term vaccine manufacturing capabilities at its facility in Hamilton, Montana, US.

The UK-based pharmaceutical company intends to improve the production of the main components of its adjuvant system, which is used in many of its vaccines, including products used to prevent malaria and shingles.

GSK’s adjuvant systems are designed to elicit a strong immune response. The Hamilton site is currently engaged in manufacturing the components of this technology and the investment will further expand these capabilities.

GSK US Pharmaceuticals president Jack Bailey said: "For more than a decade, our Hamilton facility has supported GSK’s adjuvant system development programme.

"By expanding the adjuvant system production capabilities in Hamilton, we will continue to deliver long-term and sustainable supply for key vaccines, including Shingrix."

GSK’s Shingrix vaccine received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October 2017 and has been in short supply after rapid uptake last year.

With a portfolio of in excess of 40 vaccines, GSK provides more than two million doses each day to patients across 160 countries. The company’s vaccines help address 22 conditions, including pneumococcal disease, meningitis, hepatitis, rotavirus, whooping cough and influenza. It has a pipeline of 14 vaccine candidates currently in development.

In 2017, the vaccines business accounted for 17% of GSK’s total turnover, generating $6.7bn in sales.

Hamilton is one of the nine manufacturing sites GSK has in the US. Its expansion will create temporary construction and contracting jobs, along with permanent GSK positions, including scientists, engineers and manufacturing and quality professionals over the next few years.

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