GlaxoSmithKline says no China bribery found

Drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline said on Thursday it has investigated an accusation that its salespeople in China bribed doctors and found no evidence of wrongdoing.

The company said it conducted a four-month investigation after receiving complaints from an anonymous source. It said it found “no evidence of corruption or bribery in our China business.”

GlaxoSmithKline is headquartered in Britain but has a presence in the United States, which could make it liable to penalties under US anti-bribery laws.

The Wall Street Journal, citing company documents, reported the complaint said GlaxoSmithKline staff in China provided doctors with speaking fees, cash payments, lavish dinners and travel in return for prescribing its products.

“We have used significant resources to thoroughly investigate each and every claim from this single, anonymous source and have found no evidence of corruption or bribery in our China business,” said GlaxoSmithKline in a statement.

“GSK wants to reiterate to its patients, staff and partners in China that these allegations are false.”