Eli Lilly latest pharmaceutical company to be drawn into corruption claims in China
As allegations of corruption in China continue, Eli Lilly has become the latest western pharmaceutical group to be drawn into the claims. Chinese media reported that Lilly paid Rmb30m ($4.9m) to doctors to prescribe its products for diabetics.
This is the fourth western pharma company to face such allegation in China.
An anonymous whistleblower, an alleged former senior manager at Eli Lilly, was quoted in the 21st Century Business Herald as saying the practice was widespread at the company and "just as bad as at GlaxoSmithKline". He claimed that Lilly had paid hospital doctors in Shanghai and Anhui for new patients treated with Humulin and Byetta.
Eli Lilly said it was "deeply concerned" by the fresh accusations, having already investigated "similar allegations" from a former sales manager, and found no evidence to support such claims.
The company will continue its internal probe.
Related news:
Eli Lilly drawn into pharmaceutical corruption claims in China (Financial Times)
China pharma scandal widens as Eli Lilly accused of bribery (The Telegraph)
Another pharma whistleblower and more allegations of bribery in China: Eli Lilly 'deeply concerned' (Med City News)
