U.K. – GSK has become the latest high-profile company to part ways with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), joining a growing list of firms—including Pfizer, UCB, WuXi AppTec, and Takeda—that have decided to exit the influential lobbying group.
After evaluating its corporate memberships and trade association participation, GSK confirmed it would not renew its BIO membership for 2025.
In a statement, a GSK spokesperson emphasized the company’s continued commitment to shaping policies that prioritize disease prevention, health equity, and sustainable innovation.
“At this time, we believe there are other areas we can focus our resources,” the representative said.
This decision follows Takeda’s similar move in April, and WuXi AppTec’s departure earlier due to BIO’s support of the BIOSECURE Act, which targets Chinese life sciences firms, including WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics.
Rising tensions in the industry
Other companies like Pfizer and UCB also exited BIO in the last few months, while AbbVie ended its membership in 2022.
Despite these departures, BIO remains confident in its future, with a spokesperson noting, “BIO has a diverse membership of nearly 1,000 global companies and is extremely well positioned to execute on our strategic priorities.”
BIO’s spokesperson further emphasized that while members may decide annually whether to continue their memberships, the organization has never been stronger financially or organizationally.
GSK’s focus on U.S. market amid political uncertainty
GSK’s exit comes as the U.S. prepares for a new president, and the pharmaceutical industry braces for potential shifts in drug policy.
With President-elect Donald Trump’s unclear plans for the pharmaceutical sector, GSK CEO Emma Walmsley spoke at the Financial Times Global Pharma and Biotech Summit, highlighting the critical role of the U.S. in the company’s operations.
“The U.S. is extremely important to GSK,” Walmsley stated, noting that over half of GSK’s business is based in the country.
While acknowledging the uncertainty around the upcoming U.S. administration, Walmsley emphasized GSK’s strong track record of collaboration with past U.S. governments, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Let’s see what happens in terms of who is appointed into what kind of role,” Walmsley said.
Vaccines and innovation at the forefront
While vaccines remain a significant part of GSK’s portfolio, Walmsley pointed out that the company’s medicine business is growing rapidly, up 20% this year.
GSK continues to lead in developing vaccines, including the recently approved RSV vaccine for older adults, but it is equally focused on expanding its broader pharmaceutical offerings.
“Vaccines are a big part of our business. It’s not actually the biggest part of our business,” Walmsley explained, as GSK continues to evolve and innovate in the global healthcare landscape.
