Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Launches Wellbutrin Under GlaxoSmithKline Supply Deal

CORONA, Calif., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that, under a supply agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the Company has initiated shipments of bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, in the 100mg strength. The product is the generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's Wellbutrin SR(R) which is indicated for the treatment of depression. For the 12-months ending November 2003, Wellbutrin SR(R) 100mg had sales of approximately $300 million, according to IMS data.

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Under a previously announced settlement with GSK, Watson received rights in the United States (US) market to distribute 100mg and 150mg bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, manufactured by a GSK subsidiary, on a per strength basis, once a third party launches a fully substitutable generic equivalent of the relevant strength of these products in the US market. Watson currently has rights to ship only the 100mg strength of bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets. GSK will receive a share of the profits from Watson's sales of generic bupropion hydrochloride sustained release tablets in the US market. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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 Pharmaceutical's Web site at http://www.watsonpharm.com/ .

Forward-Looking Statement 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 current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Watson's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Watson's business. These factors include, among others, the impact of competitive products and pricing, market acceptance of and demand for Watson's products, and 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, 2002 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2003.

Wellbutrin SR(R) is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

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CONTACT: Patty Eisenhaur, Investors, +1-909-493-5611, or Chris Eso,Media, +1-909-493-4013, both of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Web site: http://www.watsonpharm.com/