The results of the investigation will be released next week, Eyup Gumus, undersecretary of the health ministry, told reporters in Istanbul. The ministry on Thursday said it had launched the investigation into allegations the drugmaker secured $85 billion in business advantages through bribery.
The Turkish unit of Novartis has said allegations against it were "unfounded" and based on a past complaint. Reuters reported this week an anonymous whistleblower has accused the company of paying bribes through a consulting firm to secure advantages worth an estimated $85 million.