GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has been named as the global pharmaceutical industry leader in terms of conducting clinical research which prioritises the needs of developing nations.
The UK-based company has been ranked top of the second Access of Medicines Index, which has been compiled by the not-for-profit organisation Access to Medicine Foundation to ensure that treatments are made for needy populations in poorer countries.
GSK also topped the previous Access to Medicines ranking, which was compiled in 2008.
Other companies ranked in the top five in terms of improving access to treatments were the US's Merck Sharpe and Dohme and Gilead Sciences, as well as Swiss firm Novartis and French business Sanofi-aventis.
Six of the highest-ranking firms were based in Europe, with the remaining four coming from the US.
Wim Leereveld, the Index's founder, said it "unveils great improvements, especially in the areas of research and development, and equitable pricing".
He added: "At the same time, it shows that the industry as a whole still has a long way to go."