Slovenian firm Krka saw an increased demand for its prescription product portfolio during the quarter, which boosted group sales by more than a fifth. The company’s bottom line was a slightly more complex tale, as currency exposure in Russia wiped out significant gains in Krka’s EBIT.

Krka has denied giving its Romanian unit instructions to bribe healthcare professionals, following an internal investigation spurred by media reports of “irregularities” at the subsidiary.

Slovenia’s Krka has responded to media reports of “irregularities” at its Romanian subsidiary – including allegations of bribing local doctors to prescribe its products – by pledging to form a special investigation team to immediately examine the matter.

Slovenia’s Krka has inaugurated a €55.6m research and development centre that nearly doubles its R&D capabilities and will help drive new product launches.