ZURICH, July 17 (Reuters) - Swiss drugmakers Novartis and Roche said on Wednesday they were notaware they were under scrutiny by Chinese authorities in lightof the ongoing investigation into British drugmakerGlaxoSmithKline on allegations of bribery.
"We have not been contacted by Chinese authorities on thismatter," Novartis Chief Executive Joseph Jimenez told reporterson a conference call.
Chinese police on Monday accused British drugmakerGlaxoSmithKline of channelling bribes to Chinese officials anddoctors through travel agencies to boost sales illegally andraise the price of its medicines in the country.
Fellow Swiss drugmaker Roche also said it had notbeen approached by officials in the country.
"We are not aware of any anti-corruption probes in Chinaagainst Roche. We are committed to ensure the same highstandards of compliance for all Roche employees worldwide," aspokesman said in a statement.
Glaxosmithkline (GSK)