Ethics Newsline®

ROME
Italian regulators last week accused more than 4,400 doctors of colluding with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline in a scheme aimed at securing prescriptions of Glaxo drugs.

The allegations, which are expected to lead to formal criminal charges, are the result of a two-year investigation by Italy’s tax police, the Guardia di Finanza, reported Britain’s Independent.

Investigators detailed a long list of perks and alleged bribes awarded to Italian physicians in a bid to secure their loyalty in prescribing Glaxo products over rivals’ products and less-expensive generics.

More than 100 employees of GlaxoSmithKline were implicated in the investigation, which found “medical tours” to the Caribbean and “cultural retreats” at premier ski slopes listed as “sales support activities” by Glaxo.

Glaxo, which reportedly funneled $276 million into such activities, last week said it is “committed to ensuring all of its business practices are of the highest possible standards,” according to the BBC.