DRUG FIRM EXECUTIVE TO FACE TRIAL

About a dozen senior executives with six British-based drug companies, including the Indian Ranbaxy's UK unit, are reportedly likely to face trial on charges by Christmas, of conspiring to defraud the National Health Service of more than £100 million by allegedly rigging the prices for some of the most commonly used drugs. The six companies, namely Kent Pharmaceuticals, Norton Healthcare, the Goldshield Group, Generics UK, Ranbaxy Laboratories UK Unit and Regent-GM Laboratories Ltd, involved in manufacturing the generic drugs are also expected to face charges in what would be an unprecedented prosecution, after a three-year investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.

Hindustan Times (http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_1489967,00430005.htm)