SmithKline RIT

SmithKline RIT, originally founded as Recherche et Industrie Thérapeutiques (RIT) in 1945, is the historical Belgian foundation of GSK's global vaccine division. After its acquisition by SmithKline & French in 1968, the entity became a world leader in vaccinology, notably developing the first recombinant DNA vaccine for human use, Engerix-B. Headquartered in Rixensart, Belgium, the company pioneered large-scale production of polio, measles, and hepatitis vaccines. It eventually became SmithKline Beecham Biologicals and is now fully integrated as GSK Vaccines. The site remains one of the largest vaccine research and manufacturing complexes in the world, focusing on innovative adjuvant systems and mRNA technologies. The legacy of SmithKline RIT continues through the production of over 2 million vaccine doses daily for global distribution.