Watson Pharmaceuticals Announces Launch of New Acute Pain Product
in Collaboration With Interpharm
REPREXAIN(TM) Combines the Most Commonly Prescribed Dose of Hydrocodone in a
Combination, with the Most Commonly Prescribed Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory,
Ibuprofen, Providing a New Treatment Option for Millions of Pain Sufferers
CORONA, Calif., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE:WPI), 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. (AMEX:IPA), 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.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020214/WATSONLOGO ) http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020214/WATSONLOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Watson 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, ; or Investor Relations, Carl Hymans of G.S. Schwartz & Co., +1-212-725-4500, ext. 310, , for Interpharm Holdings, Inc.
Web site: http://www.reprexain.com/ Web site: http://www.watsonpharm.com/
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