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Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Launch Of New Acute Pain Product In Collaboration With Interpharm Holdings, Inc.

Published: Jun 16, 2004

CORONA, Calif., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today the launch of REPREXAIN(TM) CIII (5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate/200 mg ibuprofen tablets), a new prescription pain medication for the short-term (generally less than 10 days) management of acute pain. Watson is launching REPREXAIN(TM) pursuant to a distribution and supply agreement with Interpharm Holdings, Inc. , a developer, manufacturer and marketer of pharmaceuticals.

REPREXAIN(TM) addresses a market opportunity by combining 5 mg hydrocodone, the most commonly prescribed dose of hydrocodone in a combination with 200 mg of ibuprofen, the leading prescribed non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drug; a combination not available prior to today. Combining both central and peripheral analgesic action, REPREXAIN(TM) offers patients a balanced approach to the management of acute pain. In addition, REPREXAIN(TM) offers physicians Schedule III prescribing convenience.

"In response to market feedback, we are pleased to offer physicians and patients REPREXAIN(TM), which combines the most commonly prescribed dose of hydrocodone in a combination, with the anti-inflammatory benefits of ibuprofen," said Joe Papa, Watson's President and Chief Operating Officer.

Under the terms of the supply and distribution agreement, Interpharm will manufacture and supply the product to Watson, who will market, sell and distribute the product in the United States. Interpharm will receive a share of the profits from Watson's sales of the product. Further details on the agreement have not been disclosed.

"Together with Watson, we believe that we can provide a new and needed tool for pain management. We look forward to working with Watson in a long and mutually beneficial relationship," said Bob Sutaria, President of Interpharm.

Product Information

REPREXAIN(TM) is indicated for the short-term (generally less than 10 days) management of acute pain. It is not indicated for the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. REPREXAIN(TM) should not be given to patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Serious gastrointestinal toxicity, such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, with or without warning symptoms, can occur in patients taking NSAIDs. The most common reported side effects with REPREXAIN(TM) include headache, somnolence, constipation, nausea, dizziness, and dyspepsia. Hydrocodone may impair mental and/or physical abilities. These effects may be additive with alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Please see the full prescribing information, or visit http://www.reprexain.com/ for more information on Warnings, Precautions and additional Adverse Reactions that may occur.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Corona, California, is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets, sells and distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical products. Watson pursues a growth strategy combining internal product development, strategic alliances and collaborations and synergistic acquisitions of products and businesses.

For press releases and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals' Web site at http://www.watsonpharm.com/.

About Interpharm Holdings, Inc.

Interpharm develops, manufactures and markets over 20 generic prescription strength and over-the-counter drugs. Interpharm will continue to focus on growing organically through internal product development and leveraging its strength in efficient and cost effective manufacturing. In addition, Interpharm will also continue to seek consummation of mutually beneficial strategic alliances and collaborations. To accommodate Interpharm's anticipated growth, it has entered into a contract to acquire a production facility of approximately 100,000 square feet. This facility, which is on over thirty-seven acres of land, will allow Interpharm the opportunity to increase production capacity in the future as the need arises. Interpharm has also significantly increased its investment in research and development to accommodate its objective of increasing the number of drugs in development by seven to nine drugs through the end of 2004. Interpharm currently has seven drugs in various stages of development.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Watson's and Interpharm's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Watson and Interpharm disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Watson's and Interpharm's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting their businesses. These factors include, among others, the impact of competitive products and pricing, market acceptance of and demand for Watson's and Interpharm's products, and risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson's and Interpharm's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, with respect to Watson, its Annual and Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004 and, with respect to Interpharm, its Annual and Transition Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six-months ended June 30, 2003 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended September 30, 2003, December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2004 and Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 10, 2004.

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Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020214/WATSONLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comWatson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CONTACT: Patty Eisenhaur of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,+1-909-493-5611; or George Aronson, CFO of Interpharm Holdings, Inc.,+1-631-952-0214, ext. 101, georgearonson@interpharminc.com; or InvestorRelations, Carl Hymans of G.S. Schwartz & Co., +1-212-725-4500, ext. 310,carlh@schwartz.com, for Interpharm Holdings, Inc.

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