We Work for Health

Yesterday, GSK hosted the launch of "We Work for Health of North Carolina," a group dedicated to protecting and fostering medical innovation. About 120 people representing academia, business, government and non-profit organizations were at the event, held in our Research Triangle Park, NC offices.

The keynote speaker was U.S. Senator Richard Burr, who pointed out the foresight of the biotech industry for coming to the state at a time when agriculture, furniture and textiles were the major economic drivers. He also noted the multifaceted importance of the industry: "New advancements in medicine, countless jobs and steady economic growth have all resulted from continued efforts to further medical innovation."

Another speaker, Sam Taylor, President of the NC Biosciences Organization, talked about how the medical innovation sector of NC's economy provides employment for millions of Americans who research, manufacture, distribute and promote innovative therapies that positively influence public health and quality of life. Local businesses have also felt the ripple effect of these employment opportunities. For example, he noted that in 2006, the pharmaceutical sector in NC:

• supported more than 118,000 jobs
• supported $25.7 billion in output annually
• invested more than $1.5 billion in annual R&D 

Bob Ingram, GSK's Vice Chairman of Pharmaceuticals, spoke about medical innovation having a direct impact on quality of life--how economic statistics don't tell the whole story. He also noted the success of Medicare Part D in providing patients with choice and access to the medicines they need.

NC Secretary of Commerce, Keith Crisco, echoed the enormous economic contribution of the biotech industry, while NC Secretary of Health & Human Services, Lanier Cansler, talked about the important partnership among public health organizations, healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies.

Other speakers included Erskine Bowles, President of the University of North Carolina, who praised "We Work for Health" for taking on important issues, and Dr. Marty Murphy, who gave Bob Ingram credit as the "founding father" of the organization Dr. Murphy now runs, the CEO Roundtable on Cancer.