Watson Laboratories files ANDA for generic Aplenzin ER in treatment of major depressive disorder

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, today confirmed that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, Inc.- Florida, filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval to market its 174 mg and 348 mg strength bupropion hydrobromide tablets prior to the expiration of patents owned by Biovail.  Watson's 174 mg and 348 mg strength bupropion hydrobromide tablet products are generic versions of Biovail's Aplenzin™ ER, which is indicated for major depressive disorder.  

Biovail filed suit against Watson on February 18, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking to prevent Watson from commercializing its product prior to the expiration of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,553,992, 7,563,823, 7,569,610, 7,572,935, and 7,649,091. Biovail's suit was filed under the provisions of the Hatch-Waxman Act, resulting in a stay of final FDA approval of Watson's ANDA for up to 30 months or until final resolution of the matter before the court, whichever occurs sooner.  Based on available information, Watson believes it may be a "first applicant" to file an ANDA for the 174 mg and 348 mg strength of a generic version of Aplenzin™ ER and, should its ANDA be approved, may be entitled to 180 days of generic market exclusivity for those strengths.

SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.