China detains AstraZeneca staff in data, drug-import investigations

Chinese authorities have detained five current and former AstraZeneca employees as part of investigations into potential illegal activities.

The detainees, all Chinese nationals from AstraZeneca's oncology division, are being questioned about possible violations of data privacy laws and the unauthorized importation of a liver cancer drug not approved in China, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The detentions, which occurred earlier this summer in Shenzhen, are part of broader probes into the company's practices. AstraZeneca has confirmed the investigation but provided no further details.

This development poses a significant challenge for AstraZeneca, which has been deeply invested in the Chinese market. The company has faced scrutiny before, including a 2022 case related to alleged manipulation of gene-testing results. The current investigations align with China’s stringent new data and drug regulations, adding to concerns among foreign companies operating in the country.

AstraZeneca has a substantial presence in China, reporting $5.9 billion in revenue in 2023, and has made significant investments in local manufacturing and partnerships.