The below areas are of particular interest to the review committee. This was last updated in March 2021.

[Oral Health]

New plaque-reducing or plaque-inhibiting solutions
•The build-up of dental plaque is the precursor for several oral diseases, including gum disease. In the early stages, this can lead to soreness, inflammation and bleeding of the gums on brushing. Therefore, we are seeking to develop products that help reverse the early signs of gum disease and prevent it from recurring. To achieve this, we are seeking opportunities that reduce or inhibit the attachment of plaque to oral surfaces or that break up existing plaque without the need for antimicrobials. Ideally, these ingredients can be incorporated into a mouthwash or toothpaste, but other formats would also be considered.

Gum health
•Sodium bicarbonate is an ingredient in various toothpastes to help tackle early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) and maintain healthy gums. However, when present in high concentrations, sodium bicarbonate gives the toothpaste a very strong, salty taste which results in low acceptability by consumers. We are seeking solutions to mask the salty taste in toothpastes with high concentrations of sodium bicarbonate, so that this acceptance barrier is overcome, and consumers can benefit from these products.

Enamel health
•Teeth are subject to numerous challenges throughout the day from dietary sugars, acids and bacteria. Despite the use of fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash, all these factors have contributed to a significant rise in the number of fillings, enamel wear and sensitivity. Therefore, we are seeking solutions that would protect tooth enamel from these challenges and/or repair the damage that has been caused, and/or drive further understanding of the conditions.

Dentine Hypersensitivity
•Dentin hypersensitivity is a relatively common condition; it is one of the most commonly encountered clinical problems in dentistry. Dentine hypersensitivity is characterized by tooth pain in response to stimuli such as hot and cold food and can have a marked impact the enjoyment of daily activities and quality of life. However, the condition is manageable, and we continue to seek to develop products that help prevent the pain of dentine hypersensitivity, and explore new understandings on the condition, including impacts on quality of life, objective measures of pain and physiological parameters.

Toothbrushes
•Epidemiological insights around toothbrushing
•Role of toothbrushes in aetiology of dentine hypersensitivity
•Techniques to clinically measure cervical /gingival abrasion

Tooth loss
•Replacement options and patient impressions
•Implications and consequences: Function, Oral hygiene, Quality of Life
•Role of dental professionals in managing change/transition for patients facing/ living with tooth loss

Care of appliances as part of daily oral hygiene routine
•Oral hygiene needs of partially dentate patients
•Evidence base for prevention of oral diseases in partially dentate populations
•New/ alternative cleanser technologies for maintenance of fixed and removable appliances and implants

Fit and performance of dental appliances
•Comfort
•Adhesion
•Masticatory function
•Ease of adaptation and patient learnings required
•Patients perceived needs and preferences

[Pain relief]

GSK scientists research and develop self-treatment options to manage a range of mild to moderate pain types. The goal of GSK 's research in pain is to provide treatments and interventions that significantly improve the lives of patients living with a range of painful conditions.

We welcome research proposals especially those that evaluate:
•The use of non-prescription pain relievers in mild to moderate pain conditions
•Use of oral and topically applied natural products for pain
•Combination treatments in the management of pain

[Respiratory]

•Upper respiratory tract infections
•Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
•Air pollution

[Skin health]

•Cold sores
•Feet and Nail fungus infections
•Itchy, inflamed and irritated skin

[Wellness]

Wellness category is interested in receiving and reviewing proposals related to research in dietary supplements (DS):
•Immunity and inflammation
•Cardiovascular and metabolic related issues
•Brain health
•Real World Data research methods on DS product outcome and efficacy
•Energy-yielding cellular metabolism
•Self-care and supplement efficacy

[Digital & Devices]

Digital health can be broadly defined as the use of digital technology, data and the internet to improve either access, efficiency, the consumer/patient experience, or outcomes (or a combination of these) in healthcare.

GSK welcomes research proposals in the field of digital health. We have a broad scope of interest for such proposals and are keen to hear of any which may include studies that:
•Assess the use of apps and other digital technologies to improve health outcomes or the patient/consumer experience in any of the therapy areas in which GSK has a publicly declared interest
•Address the areas of resilience, pain, anxiety, smoking cessation (and other forms of addiction), health-related behaviour change, weight management, wellness, mental health, oral health, allergy, infectious diseases and cold & flu
•Assess the utility of digital therapeutics or platforms in areas of interest, where the therapeutic/platform may be a standalone intervention or an adjunct to a conventional medicine/medical device
•Investigate the potential health benefits of wearable technologies
•Investigate innovative ways to collect real world evidence on healthcare interventions
•Investigate innovative ways to monitor/assess the safety of healthcare interventions
•Investigate consumer, patient, HCP, regulator or policymaker attitudes to, and acceptance of, digital health interventions
•Investigate how digital health interventions may reduce the burden on healthcare systems