Novartis launches China investigation
pharmafile | September 18, 2013 | News story | Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing | Alcon, China, Novartis, corrpution
Novartis has become the latest pharma manufacturer to say it will investigate allegations of malpractice in its China activities and take ‘swift remedial action’ if necessary.
The industry in China is now awash in alleged corruption, with the Swiss company’s eye-care division Alcon caught up in claims – from a Chinese newspaper – that it used funds earmarked for post-marketing patient experience surveys to offer bribes to various doctors.
In a statement, the company says: “Alcon does not tolerate activities that are not in compliance with the laws and regulations in the markets where we operate.”
An internal investigation has been set up to deal with the issue. “When any inappropriate activities are identified, we take swift remedial action,” the manufacturer adds.
Novartis is at pains to point out that Alcon’s patient experience surveys “are designed to provide valuable feedback and are conducted by a reputable and experienced independent third party with expertise in survey design, electronic data capture, statistical analysis and programme management”.
Last year Alcon China conducted an internal review of the programme in a bid to ensure compliance and found there was no problem with it.
The manufacturer reiterates: “Alcon is committed to upholding high standards of ethical business conduct and to operate compliantly in all aspects of its work around the world, including in China. All Alcon employees are expected to adhere to the Company’s Code of Conduct of ethical business behaviour.”
While it is not quite a case of ‘another day, another alleged pharma scandal in China’, the allegations have come thick and fast over the past few months.
Last week Bayer HealthCare said it was under investigation in China over an issue which apparently relates to the country’s competition laws.
That is distinct from the bribery probes in which GlaxoSmithKline and other – mainly western – companies have found themselves embroiled.
Chinese firms have not found themselves immune: last week a state TV channel reported that sales teams at Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group – 60%-owned by Chinese firm Sino Biopharmaceutical – had given doctors trips to Taiwan and Thailand in return for their attendance at an event.
However, one European business group suggested the Chinese authorities might be trying to ‘frighten’ pharma companies and said western firms were being discriminated against.
Adam Hill
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