Belgium: the heart of GSK Vaccines
We ask each of our 9.000 employees working in Belgium to share our mission and to think about how they can help all those patients who rely on our products. To this end, our 2.000 scientists work on researching and developing vaccines every day. And that is why we have been pioneering new solutions allowing us to make our products available to those who need them, wherever they live and whatever their ability to pay.
Need a quick overview of GSK's role and missions in Belgium? Our flyer will give you the information you need:
Our history in Belgium
GSK began its operations in 2000 as a result of the merger between Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, but our true origins go back much further.
The first predecessor of GSK, Plough Court Pharmacy, dates back to 1715. The predecessors of GSK in Belgium made numerous discoveries in the 1930s, bringing to market drugs that are still considered significant milestones in the history of public health.
Our vaccine heritage can be traced back to two Belgian researchers: Piet De Somer (who became the first rector of the KUL University) and Christian de Duve (who went on to become a Nobel laureate). They conducted the first research on penicillin and antiviral vaccines as early as 1945. R.I.T. (Recherche et Industrie Thérapeutique), the company they founded, introduced a life-saving drug to the market: penicillin.
Through our activities, scientific and technical expertise, and talented employees, we aim to continue bringing differentiated, high-quality healthcare products to as many people as possible.
