The widening bribery investigation engulfing the Chinese branch of drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) focuses on the tactics of its sales people. But it also adds to a perfect storm of scandals involving multiple companies that could jeopardize China's rise as a center for global pharmaceutical R&D.On 11 July, the Chinese government accused executives at GSK China of bribing officials, hospital employees, and doctors to promote or sell GSK drugs. Four Chinese GSK executives, along with at least 18 other employees and medical personnel, have been taken into custody, according to state press reports. Last week, GSK replaced its general manager for China and acknowledged in a statement that "Certain senior executives ... appear to have acted outside of our processes and controls." The company also pledged to lower its prices in China.
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