Watson to Distribute Alendronate Tablets

Watson to Distribute Alendronate Tablets

CORONA, Calif., Feb. 5 -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that the company expects to initiate shipments of alendronate sodium in the 35 and 70 mg once weekly dosage strengths when Fosamax(R) loses market exclusivity, which is anticipated to occur at the close of business on February 6, 2008. Alendronate sodium is the generic version of Merck's Fosamax(R) tablets, indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Alendronate sodium is also indicated to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.

Under the terms of a supply agreement, Merck will manufacture and supply the alendronate sodium tablets to Watson, which will market, sell and distribute the product in the United States. Merck will receive a share of the profits from Watson's sales of the generic product in the U.S. market. Further details on the agreement have not been disclosed.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Corona, CA, is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets, sells and distributes brand 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.watson.com [1].

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 continued demand for Watson's products; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and 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, 2006.

Fosamax(R) is a registered trademark of Merck and Co., Inc.

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SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.