GlaxoSmithKline (LON:GSK)has said the charging of its former head of operations in China alongside members of his team with corruption by the Chinese police was deeply concerning.
"We take the allegations that have been raised very seriously. They are deeply concerning to us and contrary to the values of GSK," it said in a statement.
Mark Reilly is the first non-Chinese employee of the drugs group charged in connection with the bribery allegations, which have seen Glaxo accused of bribing doctors and hospital officials to boost sales in China.
The pharma giant said it understood the case was now being reviewed by the Changsha People's Procurator in Hunan Province.
Accordign to news agencies in China, Reilly and two Chinese executives have also been charged with bribing government officials .
Glaxo added: "We want to reach a resolution that will enable the company to continue to make an important contribution to the health and welfare of China and its citizens."
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