The fight against HIV has a major player in Spain. ViiV Healthcare arose from the merger of the HIV divisions of UK-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and US-based Pfizer in November 2009. Created with the aim of advancing the treatment and care of people living with HIV, they were joined in 2012 by Japan's Shionogi.

GSK's plant in Aranda de Duero (Burgos), one of the company's eight strategic factories in the world, is the production centre from which more than 175 million packs are produced each year and exported to over 100 countries. Throughout its history, ViiV has developed treatments that have brought a new approach to HIV treatment. It has also produced new molecules, new mechanisms of action, new treatment and prevention strategies, new forms of administration and new adapted formulations.

Responsible innovation
From the early 2000s, the Burgos plant began producing GSK's first antiretroviral drug. Its focus on smart manufacturing and commitment to responsible innovation has facilitated the integration of innovative manufacturing technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data science, robotics and 3D printing. This approach has helped to optimise the efficiency and quality of medicines.

GSK is investing an average of 20 million euros per year to further expand its facilities, incorporate new production technologies and advance sustainability. In the meantime, ViiV Healthcare España is collaborating with scientific societies and other bodies. The company has financed over 100 NGO projects in Spain.

Research activity
In Spain, HIV is now a chronic, non-fatal infection thanks to the development of antiretroviral treatment. In fact, people with HIV have a life expectancy similar to that of the general population. ViiV Healthcare carries out clinical trials of its drugs in Spain, and does so with the participation of local researchers. This means that Spain leads the world in clinical development research activity for its drugs.

In addition to seeking to achieve sustainability in its processes, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible practices, ViiV has a social focus marked by the severity of the infection it fights. In this regard, it facilitates universal access to its products with agreements that allow for voluntary licensing to generic companies. It also supplies its drugs on a not-for-profit basis to low- and middle-income countries.

^{Photo: ViiV Healthcare}