LONDON--GlaxoSmithKline has started a global review of its comms activities, one year after unveiling a similar initiative.

The Holmes Report understands that the healthcare giant's procurement department has released an RFI to various agencies, including those on its roster.

The new RFI mirrors last year's global comms review, although agency sources noted that the 2012 process ultimately proved fruitless.

The RFI seeks information about agency capabilities and skills across European and global markets, focusing on such areas as media relations, pharmacy trade media, brand PR, experiential and patient advocacy.

Existing GSK agency partners include Chandler Chicco, Virgo, Ogilvy Healthworld, Huntsworth Health, Weber Shandwic, and Citigate.

GSK has held several procurement-led reviews of its communications in recent years, as have several of its healthcare rivals, including Pfizer and Novartis.

GSK representatives did not respond to request for comment as this story went live.