GSK Names Consumer Health Venture ‘Haleon’

Drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has rebranded its consumer health care venture, dubbing the unit Haleon from the Old English word “hale,” meaning “in good health,” and the Greek word “leon,” which translates to “strength.”

GSK said the companies still plan to spin off the venture in mid-2022, as announced last summer. Brands that fall under the Haleon unit include the toothpaste Sensodyne; the arthritis cream Voltaren; pain relievers Panadol, Excederin and Advil; the multivitamin Centrum and other brands like Nexium, Tums, ChapStick and Nicorette.

GSK rebuffed a $68 billion offer for the venture from Unilever in December. GSK began developing the unit eight years ago, including acquiring consumer product portfolios from Novartis and Pfizer.