DOW JONES NEWSWIRES Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. (WPI) has filed an abbreviated new-drug application with the U.S. food and Drug Administration for its generic version of Forest Laboratories Inc.'s (FRX) Bystolic hypertension drug. Forest Labs and Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) Janssen Pharmaceutica NV disclosed earlier Wednesday that they have sued several drug makers, including Watson, over plans to market generic versions of Bystolic, citing an existing patent. Watson said it believes it may be a "first applicant" to file an abbreviated new-drug application for a generic version of Bystolic and may be entitled to 180 days of market exclusivity, if the application is approved. Watson has seen strong sales of its generics as health-care companies and consumers try to reduce spending on health-related products and services. Watson is trying to expand its brand-name drug business, though it recently hit a regulatory setback with a proposed new drug to prevent premature births. The company benefited from its introduction of authorized generic versions of Johnson & Johnson's Concerta treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in May, as well as Pfizer Inc.'s (PFE) Lipitor cholesterol-lowering drug in November. Last month, Watson said its fourth-quarter profit surged as the introduction of a generic version of Lipitor and other products boosted sales by more than 60%. Shares closed off 1.6% at $59.21 and were unchanged after hours. The stock is down 1.9% so far this year through Wednesday's close. -By Nathalie Tadena, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-3287; nathalie.tadena@dowjones.com
