Pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline, with major operations in Upper Providence, is heading to Hollywood with a mission, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
The company has teamed up with Lifetime to produce Pretty Hurts, a new original movie premiering June 28, aimed at raising awareness about meningitis and the importance of vaccination.
The project is part of GSK’s ongoing Ask2BSure campaign, which encourages parents to talk to their teen’s doctor about protection against all major strains of meningococcal disease. The film follows a mother-daughter duo, played by Haylie Duff and Sarah Borne, as they navigate a high school beauty pageant — until meningitis strikes close to home, shaking their community.
Meningitis B, the deadliest and often missed strain, is at the heart of GSK’s message. While many teens are vaccinated against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, fewer receive coverage for B. GSK’s vaccines, Bexsero and the recently approved Penmenvy, are designed to cover all five major strains for individuals ages 10–25.
The film marks GSK’s second collaboration with Lifetime, following 2023’s short film I Never Thought to Ask. This year, the company has also brought on actress Alyson Hannigan as a spokesperson to help amplify the campaign.
To learn more about GlaxoSmithKline’s foray into the film industry, visit the Philadelphia Business Journal.
