GlaxoSmithKline PLC is being investigated by the United
Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office for possible criminal violations in
its commercial practices, the pharmaceutical company said
Tuesday.
The Brentford, England, multinational said it had been notified
of the criminal inquiry Tuesday and was cooperating with
investigators.
"GSK is committed to operating its business to the highest
ethical standards," the company said in a statement.
No additional information was released. A call to the company
wasn't immediately returned.
The Serious Fraud Office is an independent government department
under the U.K. Attorney General that investigates alleged fraud,
bribery and corruption.
Separately, the British drug maker is being investigated by
authorities in China for allegedly bribing doctors, hospitals and
government officials to sell more drugs in that country. Glaxo has
said it is cooperating with Chinese authorities.
Glaxo has overhauled its operations in China, in July naming a
new head of its China operations, Herve Gisserot, to succeed U.K.
national Mark Reilly, whom Chinese officials have accused of
ordering subordinates to bribe hospital doctors, health-care
organizations and other employees to boost the company's drug
sales.
In December, Glaxo announced a global policy to stop paying
doctors to attend medical meetings or to speak about its drugs and
the diseases treated by its medicines.
Outside of China, Glaxo has opened an investigation into its
practices in the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal reported in
April that Glaxo had received emails alleging its employees had
bribed doctors in Iraq. Glaxo said it is also investigating alleged
bribery of doctors in Jordan and Lebanon. Separately, Polish
authorities have said they are investigating alleged bribery of
doctors by Glaxo representatives.
Glaxo has said it has zero tolerance for unethical or illegal
behavior and has strict controls in place with regard to compliance
matters and antibribery and corruption.
Laurie Burkitt contributed to this article.
Write to Maria Armental at maria.armental@wsj.com
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