GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceuticals giant that generates approximately 1.5 billion Euros of turnover in Italy, lands in Tuscany, and promises to invest in Siena and the vaccines division.
In mid April, amidst a large operation with Novartis, GSK acquired the business unit dedicated to vaccines for more than 7 billion from the Swiss group, and in turn ceded its activities in the oncology sector: consequently, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, the only biotechnology company in our country that engages in the research, development, and production of vaccines will be owned by the British.
The company employs approximately 2,000 individuals and is based in Siena, with a research and development center and a production site. This is where 400 million doses of vaccines are produced every year, nearly 60% of Novartis’ entire production. Between 2006 and 2012, Novartis invested 900 million in research and development in the Tuscan company they controlled, and now the new owners intend to replicate the commitment.
One month after the announcement of the Novartis-Glaxo agreement, the Italian leadership of GSK – which in our country has a branch in Verona, and is also present in the provinces of Milan and Parma – highlighted the strategic investment choice, confirming its willingness to wager on Italy and to grow the vaccines division.
In a recent meeting with the Region of Tuscany, the managing director for Italy, Daniele Finocchiaro, confirmed that the operation was inserted into a development design aimed at increasing market shares in a sector – the vaccines sector – that in Italy employs 2,900 of GSK Vaccini’s total 7,000 employees worldwide.
In partnership with IlSole24Ore