Watson Launches Generic Concerta®

PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) today confirmed that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, Inc., has launched an authorized generic version of Concerta® (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets) as part of an exclusive agreement with Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OMJPI).  Watson began shipping the product today.  Concerta is approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 to 17 and in adults 18 to 65, as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

Under the terms of the exclusive supply and distribution agreement, OMJPI manufactures and supplies Watson with all dosage strengths of the authorized generic product. Watson markets and distributes the product in the United States. OMJPI will receive a share of the net sales from Watson's sales of the product. The agreement runs until the end of 2014. During the term of the agreement, Watson may continue to pursue U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for a generic version of Concerta and may launch its own ANDA product at the conclusion of the exclusive supply agreement. Other terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

For the most recent twelve months ending February 28, 2011, Concerta had sales of approximately $1.5 billion, according to IMS Health data.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated global specialty pharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of generic pharmaceuticals and specialized branded pharmaceutical products focused on Urology and Women's Health. Watson has operations in many of the world's established and growing international markets.

For press release and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals' Web site at http://www.watson.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained in this press release that refer to non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Watson's current perspective of existing information as of the date of this release. It is important to note that Watson's goals and expectations are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially from Watson's current expectations depending upon a number of factors, risks and uncertainties affecting Watson's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of product development efforts, including FDA and other regulatory agency approvals and actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the timing and success of product launches; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; the availability and pricing of third party sourced products and materials; successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to Watson and its third party manufacturers' facilities, products and/or businesses; changes in the laws and regulations, including Medicare and Medicaid, affecting among other things, pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceutical products; and such other risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Watson's quarterly report on form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and Watson's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Concerta® is a registered trademark of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  

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SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.