The drug maker GlaxoSmithKline will donate 50 million doses of H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine to the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO expressed its desire to create an international stockpile of H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccines. GSK said that the 50 million doses will be delivered over a three-year period, which means enough doses of vaccine for 25 million people at 2 injections per person.

Jean-Pierre Garnier, CEO GlaxoSmithKline said: "An outbreak of pandemic flu could have a devastating effect on some of the poorest countries on our planet. As a healthcare company, GSK takes seriously its responsibility to ensure access for the world's poorest people to our medicines and vaccines. Today's announcement enables us to play a part in the WHO's efforts to coordinate a more comprehensive global solution to this potential healthcare crisis."

In addition to the donation, GSK confirmed its intention to provide additional doses of its H5N1 adjuvanted vaccine at preferential prices to the WHO for GAVI-eligible countries following the necessary regulatory approvals. In line with its long established tiered pricing business model, GSK intends to provide its H5N1 pre pandemic vaccine to middle and low income countries at preferential prices reflecting individual countries' income level.