Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research), the world’s biggest retailer, said its $4 generic prescription program is launching in 12 new states on Thursday, three months earlier than projected. The program, which was launched in 1,499 pharmacies in 15 states during the past month, was originally slated to begin in states outside of Florida no earlier than January 2007, the company said. (Reuters)