The gap between drug makers in the United States and Europe has been decreasing but European drug makers are still ahead on the rat race. The research by the Access to Medicines Index released its second edition since 2008 published the findings. AMI which is Dutch based is supported by 22 investors and has a value of over $3.1 trilion.

GlaxoSmithKline, the British company was featured on AMI's among the top 20 pharmaceutical companies because they make drugs for developing countries and they efforts have not gone in vain so far. United States drug manufacturer Merck & Co followed GlaxoSmithKline with the Swiss based Novartis, Gilead Sciences from the United States and Sanofi-Acentis from France following.

"The Index 2010 reveals important progress, if only because companies have shown far greater willingness to open up. At the same time, it shows that the industry as a whole still has a long way to go." said Wim Leereveld, the AMI's founder.

According to the list six of the top ten companies featured on the list were European in comparison to seven of the top ten being from Europe last time around. Companies which manufactured drugs for developing and under developing countries received better ranking as the list did not just feature the top 20 best selling companies but also took into consideration the working and work ethics of the companies.

Carissa Etienne of the World Health Organization, said the Access to Medicines Index which was released is important globally as it give an insight on the companies and is an "important tool in improving performance" and increases awareness about drug companies around the world.