Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. (WPI) said Alcon Inc. (ACL) filed a
lawsuit to challenge its application for a generic version of an
eye antibiotic.
Units of Alcon on Thursday sought to stay Watson's
commercialization of its Vigamox eye drops until its patents on the
treatment expire. Watson has filed an abbreviated new drug
application for the eye solution with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.
Watson has seen strong sales of its generics as consumers remain
cautious about spending. The company also has a stable of branded
drugs focused on urology and women's health.
The latest suit filed in Delaware's U.S. district court will
stay final FDA approval of the generic application until the
challenge is resolved or until September 2013, whichever comes
first.
Vigamox is an antibiotic solution for bacterial conjunctivitis,
or inflammation in the eyelids.
Alcon shares were up 1.4% to $170.70 in premarket trading and
are up 5.3% in the past 12 months. Watson shares closed at $57.92
Thursday and were inactive premarket. The stock has gained 37% over
the past 12 months.
-By Drew FitzGerald, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2909;
Andrew.FitzGerald@dowjones.com
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