GSK, Finalist for the essenscia Innovation Award 2025
We are proud to announce that GSK has been selected among the eight finalists for the essenscia Innovation Award 2025, the highest Belgian distinction for industrial innovation. This nomination highlights GSK's commitment to scientific innovation and its positive impact on global health through its revolutionary RSV vaccine.
Recognition of Belgian Innovation
The essenscia Innovation Award, organised by the Belgian federation of the chemical industry and life sciences, has showcased the sector's most significant advancements. Out of 23 high-calibre applications, GSK was selected alongside seven other companies, all demonstrating the vitality of Belgian innovation.
GSK's innovation: the first RSV vaccine
GSK is a finalist for its vaccine against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a medical world-first. Developed and produced in Belgium, this vaccine is distributed to over 60 countries from our national sites.
RSV, often underdiagnosed, poses a serious threat, particularly to young children and adults aged 60 and over, potentially leading to severe, even fatal, pneumonia. After two decades of intensive research conducted by GSK teams in Belgium, this vaccine offers essential protection to millions of patients worldwide. Unlike other viruses such as influenza, RSV is stable, and our vaccine provides lasting protection for three years.
Belgium, a hub of excellence for vaccines
The development and production of this vaccine in Belgium have strengthened our country's status as the "Vaccine Silicon Valley." The project was managed from Belgium, integrating a large part of our value chain: from R&D in Rixensart, to the global distribution centre in Gembloux, and through Wavre, our largest industrial vaccine production site in the world.
Sustainable commitment
Beyond medical innovation, GSK is also committed to sustainability. For the RSV vaccine, our efforts have been recognised with a "Carbon Trust" certification. The production of this vaccine aligns with GSK's goal to achieve "net zero carbon" by 2030, integrating this objective at all levels, from R&D to the full product lifecycle. The vaccine is also manufactured in the formulation unit in Wavre, that received the label Factory of the Future.
Award ceremony
The essenscia Innovation Award 2025 ceremony was held on 25 November in Brussels, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid. GSK was honoured to participate in this prestigious event, celebrating the excellence of Belgian innovation in the life sciences sector.