BIG PHARMA COMPANIES UNDER INVESTIGATION IN FOREIGN BRIBES SCANDAL

Several pharmaceutical companies including Merck, Medtronic, Zimmer and Astra Zeneca are reportedly under investigations for paying foreign bribes in violation of The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Eli Lilly this week discloed that it is in discussions with the SEC to try to resolve an investigation as to the compliance by Polish subsidiaries of certain pharma companies. with the FCPA.AstraZeneca has received inquiries from the US Department of Justice and the SEC in connection with an investigation into FCPA issues in several countries. J & J recently settled a FCPA charge. More are expected.