GLAXOSMITHKLINE has sent its head of emerging markets and two other top executives to China to lead the drugmaker's response to an unfolding crisis over alleged bribery and corruption.

GSK President Emerging Markets Abbas Hussain was dispatched by Chief Executive Andrew Witty, along with the group's global head of internal audit and a senior legal official, a source said yesterday.

All three have now arrived in the country to cooperate with Chinese authorities and try to get to the bottom of a scandal.

On Monday, Chinese police accused GSK of bribing officials and doctors to boost sales and raise the price of its drugs.

They said GSK transferred up to 3 billion yuan (US$489 million) to 700 travel agencies and consultancies over six years to facilitate the bribes.