GlaxoSmithKline plans vaccines and cancer drugs production in Kazakhstan

UK pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) has signed a cooperation agreement with the government of Kazakhstan, which involves the local production of the company’s vaccines and drugs in this former Soviet state.

Financial details of the project were not disclosed. Last year, the company's total investment in the Kazakh market amounted to more than £4 million ($6.1 million). In an interview with Kazakh Kursiv business paper, Gamal Rezk, vice president of GSK's vaccines department, said the company plans to focus on the production of vaccines and anti-cancer drugs in Kazakhstan.

According to Mr Rezk, the Kazakh pharmaceutical market is steadily developing and for the last four years has increased by 23%. The company plans to double its share in the local market, which is currently estimated at 3%, through the increase its local product range, which is currently comprised of more than 100 positions. He added that the company is currently continuing vigorous activities, regarding with the development of new vaccines. Among which are the new vaccines against pneumococcal disease, cervical cancer and rotaviral infection.