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GSK plc Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: GSK plc: History and Corporate Development

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GSK plc: History and Corporate Development Study Guide

Origins and Early Development

Glaxo originated in London in the early 1900s, focusing initially on pharmaceutical research.

Answer: False

Explanation: Glaxo originated in New Zealand in 1873 as Joseph Nathan and Co., later becoming Glaxo Laboratories in London, with its initial significant product being a dried-milk baby food.

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Glaxo Laboratories obtained a listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1935.

Answer: False

Explanation: Glaxo Laboratories was incorporated as a distinct subsidiary in London in 1935, but it obtained its listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1947.

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Beecham Group was founded by Thomas Beecham in 1848, initially selling patent medicines.

Answer: True

Explanation: Thomas Beecham founded the Beecham Group in 1848, commencing operations with the sale of patent medicines, notably Beecham's Pills.

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By the 1960s, Beecham was primarily focused on consumer products like toothpaste and beverages.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Beecham was involved in consumer products, by the 1960s, it was also extensively involved in pharmaceuticals and research into synthetic penicillin, not solely focused on consumer goods.

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What was the initial product that gained significant recognition for the company that originated as Joseph Nathan and Co. (later Glaxo)?

Answer: A dried-milk baby food called "Glaxo"

Explanation: The company that originated as Joseph Nathan and Co. (later Glaxo) gained significant recognition for its initial product: a dried-milk baby food marketed as "Glaxo."

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What was the initial product launched by Thomas Beecham in 1848?

Answer: Beecham's Pills laxative

Explanation: Thomas Beecham launched his initial product, Beecham's Pills laxative, in 1848.

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Mergers and Corporate Formation

GSK plc was established through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham in December 2000.

Answer: True

Explanation: The merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham in December 2000 created GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), establishing it as one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies at that time.

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The merger of Glaxo and Wellcome in 1995 created the company known today as GSK plc.

Answer: False

Explanation: The merger of Glaxo and Wellcome in 1995 created Glaxo Wellcome plc. The company known today as GSK plc was formed later, in 2000, through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham.

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SmithKline Beckman merged with Beecham Group in 1989 to form SmithKline Beecham P.L.C., moving its headquarters to England.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1989, SmithKline Beckman merged with Beecham Group, creating SmithKline Beecham P.L.C., and subsequently relocated its headquarters to England.

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What was the primary corporate action that established GSK plc?

Answer: The merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham.

Explanation: GSK plc was established through the significant corporate action of merging Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham in December 2000, creating one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.

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Which merger in 1995 created Glaxo Wellcome plc?

Answer: Glaxo and Wellcome

Explanation: The merger between Glaxo and Wellcome in 1995 resulted in the formation of Glaxo Wellcome plc.

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Which company did SmithKline Beckman merge with in 1989?

Answer: Beecham Group

Explanation: In 1989, SmithKline Beckman merged with Beecham Group to form SmithKline Beecham P.L.C.

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Business Portfolio and Strategic Moves

GSK's legacy companies included amoxicillin and zidovudine on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

Answer: True

Explanation: The legacy companies of GSK were responsible for developing several products, including amoxicillin and zidovudine, which are recognized on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

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By 1999, Glaxo Wellcome was a leading manufacturer of drugs for asthma and HIV/AIDS.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 1999, Glaxo Wellcome had established itself as the world's largest manufacturer of pharmaceuticals for both asthma and HIV/AIDS.

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GSK acquired Stiefel Laboratories in 2009 for $3.6 billion, strengthening its dermatology business.

Answer: True

Explanation: GSK completed the acquisition of Stiefel Laboratories in 2009 for $3.6 billion, a strategic move that significantly enhanced its presence in the dermatology sector.

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GSK divested its entire pharmaceutical business to Novartis in 2014 as part of an asset swap.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2014, GSK divested its cancer business to Novartis as part of an asset swap, not its entire pharmaceutical business.

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The split of GSK's consumer healthcare division resulted in the creation of a new company named GSK Health.

Answer: False

Explanation: The split of GSK's consumer healthcare division resulted in the creation of a new, independent company named Haleon, not GSK Health.

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GSK acquired Affinivax in May 2022 to bolster its vaccine development pipeline.

Answer: True

Explanation: GSK acquired Affinivax in May 2022, a strategic move aimed at strengthening its vaccine development pipeline.

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GSK primarily manufactures products for respiratory diseases and oncology.

Answer: False

Explanation: While GSK is involved in respiratory diseases and oncology, its primary manufacturing focus also includes areas such as infections, diabetes mellitus, and mental health.

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GSK's consumer healthcare division includes brands like Sensodyne toothpaste and previously owned Lucozade.

Answer: True

Explanation: GSK's consumer healthcare division encompasses brands such as Sensodyne toothpaste, and it formerly owned popular beverage brands like Lucozade and Ribena.

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By 1999, in which two therapeutic areas was Glaxo Wellcome considered the world's largest manufacturer?

Answer: Asthma and HIV/AIDS

Explanation: By 1999, Glaxo Wellcome held the position of the world's largest manufacturer for drugs targeting asthma and HIV/AIDS.

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What significant acquisition did GSK complete in 2009, related to dermatology?

Answer: Stiefel Laboratories

Explanation: In 2009, GSK acquired Stiefel Laboratories, a prominent independent dermatology company, thereby strengthening its position in that market.

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In which year did GSK divest its beverage division, including Lucozade and Ribena?

Answer: 2013

Explanation: GSK divested its beverage division, which included Lucozade and Ribena, in 2013.

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What is the name of the company formed from GSK's consumer healthcare division split?

Answer: Haleon

Explanation: The company formed from the split of GSK's consumer healthcare division is named Haleon.

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GSK acquired Sierra Oncology Inc. in April 2022 for approximately how much?

Answer: $1.9 billion

Explanation: GSK acquired Sierra Oncology Inc. in April 2022 for approximately $1.9 billion.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a major disease area for which GSK manufactures products?

Answer: Respiratory Illnesses

Explanation: GSK manufactures products for major disease areas including cancer, diabetes mellitus, and mental health. While respiratory illnesses are a focus, the question implies it's not listed as a *primary* area in the same context as the others provided in the options based on the source's emphasis.

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What was the value of the acquisition of Tesaro by GSK in December 2018?

Answer: $5.1 billion

Explanation: GSK acquired Tesaro in December 2018 for a value of $5.1 billion, gaining control of the ovarian cancer treatment Zejula.

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Which company acquired GSK's interest in its Indian unit, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd, in December 2018?

Answer: Unilever

Explanation: Unilever acquired GSK's stake in its Indian consumer healthcare unit, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd, in December 2018.

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What was the value of the acquisition of Bellus Health Inc. by GSK in April 2023?

Answer: $2 billion

Explanation: GSK acquired Bellus Health Inc. in April 2023 for $2 billion.

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GSK's acquisition of Aiolos Bio in February 2024 was intended to strengthen which area of its business?

Answer: Asthma

Explanation: The acquisition of Aiolos Bio in February 2024 was aimed at strengthening GSK's business in the area of asthma treatments.

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What action did GSK take regarding its shareholding in Haleon in May 2024?

Answer: Sold off a 4.2% stake.

Explanation: In May 2024, GSK sold a 4.2% stake in Haleon, reducing its shareholding in the consumer healthcare business.

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Innovation, Leadership, and Global Presence

GSK plc is headquartered in New York City, USA.

Answer: False

Explanation: GSK plc is headquartered in London, England, UK, not New York City.

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GSK developed RTS,S, the world's first approved malaria vaccine.

Answer: True

Explanation: GSK successfully developed RTS,S, which holds the distinction of being the world's first approved malaria vaccine.

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GSK committed in 2014 to make its malaria vaccine, RTS,S, available at a price significantly above its production cost.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2014, GSK committed to making its malaria vaccine, RTS,S, available at a price that was five percent above its cost of production, not significantly above.

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Gertrude B. Elion and George H. Hitchings, Nobel Prize winners, worked for Glaxo Wellcome.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gertrude B. Elion and George H. Hitchings were Nobel Prize winners who worked for Burroughs Wellcome, a predecessor company, not Glaxo Wellcome directly.

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Emma Walmsley became the CEO of GSK in March 2017, marking the first time a woman held the CEO position.

Answer: True

Explanation: Emma Walmsley assumed the role of CEO of GSK in March 2017, achieving the distinction of being the company's first female chief executive.

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The application for regulatory approval of RTS,S in 2014 was significant because it aimed to introduce the first vaccine against tuberculosis.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2014 application for RTS,S was significant as it aimed to introduce the first vaccine against malaria, not tuberculosis.

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GSK partnered with Sanofi to develop a COVID-19 vaccine using recombinant protein-based technology.

Answer: True

Explanation: GSK collaborated with Sanofi in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, utilizing a combination of recombinant protein-based technology and GSK's pandemic adjuvant technology.

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GSK operates SR One, established in 1985, solely for internal research and development funding.

Answer: False

Explanation: SR One, established by GSK (formerly SmithKline Beecham) in 1985, functions as a venture capital arm that invests in and out-licenses new biotechnology companies and drug candidates, not solely for internal funding.

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Four GSK scientists have been recognized with Nobel Prizes for their contributions to medical science.

Answer: True

Explanation: Four scientists affiliated with GSK have received Nobel Prizes, acknowledging their significant contributions to basic medical science and the development of therapeutics.

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Gertrude B. Elion and George H. Hitchings received the Nobel Prize for their work on synthetic penicillin.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gertrude B. Elion and George H. Hitchings received the Nobel Prize for their discoveries of important principles for drug treatment, including drugs for leukemia and gout, not synthetic penicillin.

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Where is GSK plc currently headquartered?

Answer: London, England, UK

Explanation: GSK plc maintains its headquarters in London, England, UK.

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Who were the Nobel Prize-winning scientists associated with Burroughs Wellcome known for discovering principles for drug treatment?

Answer: Gertrude B. Elion and George H. Hitchings

Explanation: Gertrude B. Elion and George H. Hitchings, associated with Burroughs Wellcome, were Nobel Prize winners recognized for discovering key principles in drug treatment.

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Who became the CEO of GSK in March 2017?

Answer: Emma Walmsley

Explanation: Emma Walmsley assumed the position of CEO of GSK in March 2017.

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GSK's venture capital arm, SR One, was established in what year?

Answer: 1985

Explanation: SR One, GSK's venture capital arm, was established in 1985.

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What was the primary focus of the joint venture ViiV Healthcare, formed by GSK and Pfizer in 2009?

Answer: HIV research

Explanation: The joint venture ViiV Healthcare, established by GSK and Pfizer in 2009, primarily focuses on HIV research and treatment.

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