Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Launches Generic Famvir(R)

MORRISTOWN, N.J., March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of generic pharmaceuticals and specialized branded pharmaceutical products focused on Urology and Women's Health. Watson has operations in many of the world's established and growing international markets.

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

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained in this press release that refer to non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Watson's current perspective of existing information as of the date of this release. It is important to note that Watson's goals and expectations are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially from Watson's current expectations depending upon a number of factors, risks and uncertainties affecting Watson's business. These factors include, among others, the impact of competitive products and pricing; the timing and success of product launches; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; the difficulty of predicting the timing and outcome of litigation and the risk that an adverse judgment could render us libel for substantial damages; the availability and pricing of third party sourced products and materials; successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to Watson and its third party manufacturers' facilities, products and/or businesses; changes in the laws and regulations, including Medicare and Medicaid, affecting among other things, pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceutical products; and such other risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Watson's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2010. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Famvir® is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

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SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.