SmithKline Beecham is spearheading research to enhance the health of women, their family members and those who are important in their lives. SmithKline Beecham, as a leader in pharmaceutical and consumer health research, is pioneering the use of genomics in the discovery of new treatment modalities for many of the diseases listed above. Development of new research tools and protocols are major mechanisms for advancing women's health. Through this philanthropic funding provided by SmithKline Beecham, the Alliance will work to unite the efforts of women's groups and health organizations to increase public and professional understanding of ovarian cancer, and to promote more effective diagnostics, treatments and research. SmithKline Beecham is actively involved in osteoporosis research, including the development of modalities to prevent this disease.
Osteoporosis is a very debilitating disease, particularly in women.
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals has an active research group dedicated to identifying novel therapies for this disease, and two agents with a novel mechanism of action are currently in development. SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare remains at the forefront of research on the role of calcium in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. As another example, supported research confirms that a major complication of corticosteroid therapy is corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Many of the diseases that are treated with corticosteroids, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are more prevalent in women. Another research area supported by SBCH involves the investigation of calcium s importance in normalizing the physical and emotional changes seen in most women during the menstrual cycle.