Two GlaxoSmithKline scientists are among five people charged by federal prosecutors in the US with stealing cancer research secrets potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars to sell in China.
Confidential research data were downloaded from GSK computers and sent to the personal email account of one of the scientists and forwarded to others in the alleged conspiracy, according to the indictment. Three of the accused set up a company in China with the intention of selling the stolen information, it was alleged.
If proven, the case would add to concerns over the theft of intellectual property by Chinese companies and highlight the pharmaceuticals industry as one of the main targets of attacks.