CORONA, Calif., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today it has launched Clarithromycin Extended-Release Tablets, USP in the 500 mg strength. Watson's Clarithromycin Extended-Release product is the generic equivalent to Abbott's Biaxin(R) XL, which is indicated to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. For the 12-months ending September 2007, Biaxin(R) XL and its generic equivalents had total U.S. sales of approximately $200 million, according to IMS Health data.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted final approval of Watson's Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Clarithromycin Extended-Release on June 24, 2004. Patent infringement litigation related to Watson's ANDA was dismissed with prejudice on July 12, 2007.

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.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 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.

Biaxin(R) is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories.

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SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CONTACT: Patty Eisenhaur of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-951-493-5611

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


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