Market Watch
By London Bureau
August 14, 2010

U.K. pharmaceutical firms GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK 38.15, +0.01, +0.03%) and AstraZeneca PLC (AZN 51.88, +0.49, +0.95%) are facing a corruption investigation in the U.S. over claims that the hospitality lavished on those who prescribe their treatments could constitute bribery, The Independent newspaper in London reported Saturday, without citing sources.

The newspaper said the two firms are among those facing the investigation being carried out by the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission.

The investigation is thought to center around allegations that drug companies might have contravened the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which limits their ability to spend on such things as hospitality, charitable donations and other non-business activities, the newspaper said.

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