U.S. District Court rules in favor of Watson over Mucinex patent suit

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) today confirmed that the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has affirmed the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida's February 2011 decision that Watson's generic versions of Mucinex(R) (Guaifenesin), Mucinex(R) D (Pseudoephedrine/Guaifenesin), and Mucinex(R) DM (Dextromethorphan HBr/ Guaifenesin) Extended-Release products do not infringe U.S. Patent No. 6,372,252.

The Company said it is continuing to seek final FDA approval of the products.

In 2009, Reckitt Benckiser Inc. sued Watson Laboratories, Inc. – Florida for patent infringement related to Watson's filing of three Abbreviated New Drug Applications for generic versions of Reckitt's Mucinex(R) line of products. The Mucinex(R) products had total U.S. sales of approximately $500 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2010, according to IRI and are indicated to help loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive.