Pharma Winners and Losers: GlaxoSmithKline

Shares of major drug makers closed mixed Wednesday after European regulators announced they plan to step up investigations of whether the companies are delaying the launch of cheaper generic drugs.

The European Union said it plans to monitor settlement deals between major and generic pharmaceutical companies, including some that include payments to delay drug launches. It launched its investigation in January 2008.

According to EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, "Makers of original medicines are actively trying to delay the entry of generic medicines onto their markets."

In response, a trade group representing the industry, the EPPIA, said the EU has "nothing to substantiate these claims."...