The Love Tank calls for pharma diversity commitment
In a letter to the Chief Executives of GSK and ViiV Health Care, The Love Tank today calls for a commitment for diversity from the companies.
Recent media reports state that GSK – a UK registered company – has paused diversity activities for UK workers and is reviewing inclusion and diversity policies. It is understood that this is to align with executive orders from the Trump administration.
ViiV Health Care – the developers of the first formulation of injectable HIV PrEP – is majority owned by GSK, and there are concerns that ViiV will follow the policy changes set by GSK.
In the letter, Dr Will Nutland, Director of The Love Tank says: “A UK registered company (GSK), rolling-over to a US administration that is showing blatant disregard for human rights, sends a chilling signal to your partners and sets a dangerous precedent. I note that none of your competitors – including those based in the USA – have yet to make a similar move”.
Although The Love Tank has a policy of not taking funding or sponsorship from the pharmaceutical industry, it has worked closely alongside parts of the industry, not least to diversify clinical trials.
In the letter, The Love Tank calls for the CEO of ViiV Health Care, Deborah Waterhouse, to make three commitments:
That ViiV Health Care distances itself from the actions and policies of GSK regarding diversity and equality
That ViiV Health Care makes a public and unambiguous commitment to diversity and equality, including ensuring full protection of its diverse workforce
That ViiV commits to continue to invest in funded programmes that meet the HIV prevention, treatment and care needs of the most underserved communities globally – including trans communities
The Love Tank joins other UK, regional and global NGOs and activists in expressing our gravest concern with the actions of GSK.