Leslie Walton, Research Labs

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Les Watson joined BW in the UK in 1968. He was based at the Beckenham labs and worked under Dr Stan Bushby and [Dr?] Margaret Barnett. In 1970 he moved with them to BW in the USA as part of the team responsible for getting FDA approval for Septra/Septrin. After the mergers, he continued working for Glaxo Wellcome and then GSK.

Topics discussed:

* induction and training at Beckenham

* Septra/Septrin, the relocation to USA to gain approval for the drug, the joint venture with Johnson and Johnson

* comparison of USA nd UK research, including working atmosphere and commercial vs pure research focus

* impressions of Research Triangle Park and the working atmosphere

* Gertrude Elion

* McKinsey Report

* development and focus of research

* monochrome antibody research

* flotation

* AZT and Aids, including protests re pricing

* merger with Glaxo: staff attitudes towards it, difference in BW and Glaxo management style

* working relationship between UK and USA.

10 May 2001

audio tape and transcript Tape 19

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