GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc — Ethics Grade C

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc receives an overall ethics grade of C (55/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Pharmaceuticals. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 60
• privacy: 80
• consumer: 35
• environment: 70
• humanRights: 75

Documented incidents (3)

• China Bribery Scandal (high, 2014) — Chinese authorities fined GSK for funneling nearly $500 million through travel agencies to bribe doctors and hospital officials to use their products.
• Health Care Fraud Settlement (high, 2012) — GSK pleaded guilty to criminal charges for promoting antidepressants for unapproved uses and failing to report safety data about a diabetes drug.
• Pay-for-Delay Fine (medium, 2016) — UK regulators fined GSK for paying generic drug makers to delay the market entry of cheaper versions of its antidepressant drug Seroxat.

Documented good deeds

• Malaria Vaccine Development — GSK developed the world's first malaria vaccine (Mosquirix) and committed to supplying it at cost plus a small margin.

Ethical alternatives

• Novartis — Higher ESG rating in recent years due to improved compliance frameworks.