MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) announced today that, under a settlement with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis AG, Novartis International Pharmaceutical Ltd., and Proterra AG (collectively "Novartis"), Watson has commenced shipment of a generic version of Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate) 1.5mg, 3mg, 4.5mg and 6mg capsules. Exelon is used to treat dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and may cause changes in mood and personality) in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement announced on December 6, 2007, Novartis granted Watson a license to its U.S. patents covering Exelon for a generic version of Exelon. Further details concerning the settlement have not been disclosed. Watson's Abbreviated New Drug Application for its generic version of Exelon was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on January 8, 2008.
For the twelve months ending April 30, 2010, Exelon had total U.S. sales of approximately $425 million according to IMS Health data.
About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leading 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 affecting Watson's business. These factors include, among others, 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 annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2009 and Watson's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Exelon is a registered trademark of Novartis AG Corporation.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100121/LA41294LOGO)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100121/LA41294LOGO)
SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
