Thu Nov 07 22:33:00 UTC 2024: ## AstraZeneca Head Detained in China Amidst Data Collection and Drug Import Probe
**BEIJING (AFP) -** AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical giant, confirmed on Thursday that Leon Wang, president of its China operations, has been detained. The move follows reports that the company is under investigation for potential illegal data collection and drug imports.
While acknowledging Wang’s detention, AstraZeneca stressed its commitment to cooperate fully with Chinese authorities. “We continue to deliver our life changing medicines to patients in China and our operations are ongoing,” the company stated.
This detention comes after a September confirmation that several AstraZeneca employees were under investigation in China. The probes, led by authorities in Shenzhen, focus on five current and former employees, all Chinese citizens. Allegations include the collection of patient data potentially violating Chinese privacy laws and the importation of an unapproved liver cancer drug.
China is a key market for AstraZeneca, particularly known for its Covid-19 vaccine widely used globally. However, global companies have increasingly faced a challenging business environment in China due to concerns over data laws and extended employee detentions.
First Piper 