CORONA, Calif., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (NYSE: WPI), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today
that, under a supply agreement with Purdue Pharma L.P., Watson has been
appointed as the exclusive distributor of authorized generic oxycodone HCl
controlled-release tablets C-II in 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg dosage strengths.
Oxycodone HCl is the generic version of Purdue's OxyContin(R) (C-II) Tablets,
a narcotic analgesic indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain
for patients in need of a continuous round-the-clock analgesic for an extended
period of time. For the 12-months ending August 2005, OxyContin and generic
equivalents had sales of approximately $2.0 billion, according to IMS Health
data.
Under the terms of the supply agreement, Purdue will manufacture and
supply the Oxycodone HCl tablets to Watson, which will market, sell and
distribute the generic product in the United States. Purdue will receive a
share of the profits from Watson's sales of the generic product in the U.S.
market. Watson expects to launch the product shortly. Further details on the
agreement have not been disclosed.
The professional product labeling for Oxycodone HCl Controlled-Release
Tablets contains the following boxed warning:
WARNING:
Oxycodone HCl Controlled-Release Tablets are an opioid agonist and a
Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to
morphine.
Oxycodone can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists,
legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or
dispensing Oxycodone HCl Controlled-Release Tablets in situations where
the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of
misuse, abuse, or diversion.
Oxycodone HCl Controlled-Release Tablets are a controlled-release oral
formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride indicated for the management of
moderate to severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is
needed for an extended period of time.
Oxycodone HCl Controlled-Release Tablets are NOT intended for use as a
prn analgesic.
OXYCODONE HCl CONTROLLED-RELEASE 80 MG TABLETS ARE FOR USE IN
OPIOID-TOLERANT PATIENTS ONLY. This tablet strength may cause fatal
respiratory depression when administered to patients not previously
exposed to opioids.
OXYCODONE HCl CONTROLLED-RELEASE TABLETS ARE TO BE SWALLOWED WHOLE AND
ARE NOT TO BE BROKEN, CHEWED, OR CRUSHED. TAKING BROKEN, CHEWED, OR
CRUSHED OXYCODONE HCl CONTROLLED-RELEASE TABLETS LEADS TO RAPID RELEASE
AND ABSORPTION OF A POTENTIALLY FATAL DOSE OF OXYCODONE.
About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Corona, California, is a
leading specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets,
sells and distributes brand and generic pharmaceutical products. Watson
pursues a growth strategy combining internal product development, strategic
alliances and collaborations and synergistic acquisitions of products and
businesses.
For press releases and other company information, visit Watson
Pharmaceutical's Web site at http://www.watsonpharm.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events
or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect
Watson's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date
of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any
intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. 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, market
acceptance of and continued demand for Watson's products, difficulties or
delays in manufacturing; and 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, 2004 and Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005.
OxyContin(R) is a registered trademark of Purdue Pharma, L.P.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020214/WATSONLOGO )
SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.watsonpharm.com
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CONTACT:
Patty Eisenhaur of Watson Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., +1-951-493-5611
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