Watson introduces Famciclovir tablets to treat cold sores, genital herpes

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) today confirmed that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, Inc. has launched Famciclovir tablets, 125 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg, the generic version of Novartis' Famvir® following approval of its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Watson has begun shipping the product today. Famciclovir is an antiviral used in the treatment for immunocompetent adult patients with herpes labialis (cold sores), genital herpes and for HIV infected adult patients for treatment of recurrent episodes of orolabial or genital herpes.

For the most recent twelve months ending December 2010, Famvir® and its generics had total U.S. sales of approximately $197 million according to IMS Health data.