Watson Laboratories' ANDA for generic Toprol XL tablets receives FDA approval

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI), today announced that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, Inc. - Florida, has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration on its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets USP in the 100 and 200 mg strengths, the generic equivalent to AstraZeneca's Toprol XL® tablets. Watson intends to begin shipping the product next week.  

Toprol XL® 100 and 200 mg and its generic equivalents had total U.S. sales of approximately $403 million for the twelve months ending February 2010, according to IMS Health. Metoprolol succinate extended-release is a beta-blocker used to treat angina, heart failure and high blood pressure.