Four major drugmakers allegedly paid tens of millions to Russian middlemen for lifesaving drugs, limiting patient access

Four large pharmaceutical companies are accused of funneling tens of millions of dollars to Russian intermediaries to deliver essential medicines to government agencies, according to a report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

The payments are said to have supported a corrupt distribution system that kept drug prices high and restricted access for cancer patients and others with serious conditions.

The investigation highlights potential legal and reputational risks for the companies involved and raises concerns about compliance with international sanctions and ethical standards in the pharmaceutical industry.