GSK neurological drug R&D pipeline sees many products, but still at early stages

Global number two drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline says that its neurological R&D pipeline extends to 13 disease areas, which include Alzheimer's, depression, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis, with more than 25 compounds in development. However, many of the drug candidates are still at Phase I or Phase II clinical development, and the firm's presentation on December 13 caused little excitement in the financial community. GSK's share price moved up just 0.2% to L13.17, although this should be viewed against a near 3% fall in the FTSE 100.

The company's R&D chairman, Moncef Slaoui, told those attending the seminar that "GSK continues to make good progress with its pipeline...we have set out our vision in the area of neuroscience. Alongside vaccines, oncology and biopharmaceuticals, this is a key area for additional R&D investment and future growth for GSK." He also announced the firm's plans to build a $50.0 million ($102.2 million) neuroscience research center in China (Marketletter December 17).

Good data on schizophrenia an insomnia