UK competition authorities fine GSK $54.5 million

LONDON (AP) — Britain's competition authority has fined drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline plc 37.6 million pounds ($54.5 million) for stalling the potential entry of generic competitors of an anti-depressant drug Seroxat into the marketplace.

"Today's decision sends out a strong message that we will tackle illegal behavior that is designed to stifle competition at the expense of customers — in this case, the (National Health Service) and, ultimately, taxpayers," said Michael Grenfell, the authority's executive director for enforcement.