Page 10 - GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals AR 2012

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the treatment of epilepsy and fluticasone propionate suspension for inhalation for asthma
patients. All these new products approved for the Company during the year under review will
be beneficial to Indian patients.
GlaxoSmithKline continues to be committed to Research and Development of medicines that
will improve the quality of life of people around the world and truly make a difference to
patients. Your Company is one of the few with passion for research and with exemplary skills
for turning that research into medicines, keeping a “patient first” attitude in everything that it
does. GlaxoSmithKline’s scientists across the world work hard to discover new medicines that
prevent, treat or cure diseases.
Your Company initiated studies in oncology, anti-infectives, respiratory and osteoporosis,
after obtaining necessary Ethics Committee approvals. Your Company has trained 56 new
investigators on Good Clinical Practices and protocol-related science at approximately
40 clinical trial sites across India. Quality continues to be a priority as demonstrated by a
number of internal and external compliance audits with no critical / or major findings. To
strengthen quality of data, the team enhanced its existing quality standards and simplified
systems and processes. This will help generate accurate and significant data, and ensure that
the rights and safety of patients taking part in your Company’s studies are protected.
The Medical Affairs team has provided valuable medical inputs for the development and
execution of brand strategy for several products including Uricostat (Febuxostat), IV-FER
(Iron Sucrose), Volibris (Ambrisentan), Zimivir (Valacyclovir), Lamictal (Lamotrigine), Ictacetam
(Levetiracetam) and Hycamtin (Topotecan). The team played a crucial role in communicating
high-quality scientific information to the medical fraternity. It was involved in conducting
scientific engagement activities such as advisory board meetings, congress presentations,
publications and provision of evidence-based medical information to healthcare practitioners.
The Medical Affairs team, in tandem with Medical Governance team, also ensures that your
Company’s promotional activities are in line with all the applicable guidelines and standard
operating practices.
(e) Internal Control Framework
Your Company conducts its business with integrity and high standards of ethical behavior,
and in compliance with the laws and regulations that govern its business. Your Company
has a well established framework of internal controls in operation, supported by standard
operating procedures, policies and guidelines, including suitable monitoring procedures and
self-assessment exercises. In addition to external audit, the financial and operating controls of
your Company at various locations are reviewed by the Internal Auditors, who report significant
findings to the Audit Committee of the Board. Compliance with laws and regulations is also
monitored.
Your Company’s Code of Conduct sets out the fundamental standards to be followed by
employees in their everyday actions. In accordance with the Code of Conduct, and Standards
associated with the Code of Conduct, employees are required to become familiar with the
legal requirements, policies and procedures applicable to their areas of operation, avoid
conflicts of interest and are tasked with upward reporting of all unethical and illegal conduct.
All employees are committed to the principle of performance with integrity and ensuring that
activities comply with all applicable laws.
Additionally, employees are required to certify on an annual basis whether there have been any
transactions which are fraudulent, illegal or violative of the Code of Conduct. Strong oversight
and self monitoring policies and procedures demonstrate your Company’s commitment to the
highest standards of integrity.
Your Company’s policies and updated Global Code of Practice for Promotion and Customer
Interactions prescribe the nature of practices and prohibits specifically those which are
unethical. Your Company is a signatory to the OPPI (Organisation of Pharmaceuticals
Producers in India) Code of marketing conduct. Your Company is also governed by the anti-
bribery and corruption programme which is applicable across the global organisation and
complies with the principles laid down under US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and British
anti-bribery laws.
(f) Human Resources
In your Company various initiatives took shape in 2012 on the Human Resources front in the
three key focus areas of Capability Building, Talent Management and Employee Engagement.