Momenta, Sandoz file patent suit against Amphastar and Watson over Enoxaparin Sodium Injection

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) today confirmed that Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sandoz Inc. have filed suit against Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Watson on September 21, 2011 in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.  The suit alleges that Amphastar's Enoxaparin Sodium Injection product, which Watson has the exclusive right to distribute in the U.S. retail pharmacy channel, infringes Momenta's U.S. Patent Nos. 7,790,466 and 7,575,886.  Enoxaparin Sodium Injection is a generic equivalent to Sanofi-aventis' LOVENOX®.

Watson and Amphastar intend to vigorously defend the claims in the lawsuit.  Pursuant to terms of the distribution agreement between Watson and Amphastar, Watson believes it will be fully indemnified by Amphastar for all costs, expenses and damages, if any, incurred in connection with the lawsuit.