The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority, the industry’s UK regulatory body, gives the drugmaker a six-month suspension after concluding an investigation into charges Roche sold large quantities of its Xenical diet pill to the operator of a chain of private UK diet clinics, despite suspicions the pills were being sold illegally.

The action follows a formal complaint from Ryta Kuzel, former head of Roche’s UK regulatory affairs, who was fired by the drugmaker shortly after the start of investigations into Xenical supplies in 2005. However, internal Roche documents shown as part of Kuzel’s case indicated Roche execs raised concerns that Robin Huxley, the operator of a chain of private slimming clinics, might be selling Xenical not only to his own clients, but also on to the “grey market.”

Roche also approved a $110,000 grant to “support” the purchase of another slimming clinic, and Huxley assured Roche staff the deal would permit further Xenical sales. The industry code of practice forbids companies from providing inducements to health professionals to help sell their products. Roche argues it was a victim of criminal conspiracy and believed Huxley to be a qualified pharmacist. Here’s the back story.

Hat tip to Pharmagossip