Watson adds its generic Fosamax to the list

WASHINGTON Following in the wake of Merck’s blockbuster osteoporosis treatment Fosamax going off-patent, Watson Pharmaceuticals announced it is planning to ship an authorized generic of the drug.

Barr Laboratories launched a generic version of the 70 mg tablets after receiving final approval from the Food and Drug Administration at the beginning of the month. Watson will market both the 35- and 70-mg dosage strengths of Fosamax (alendronate sodium). Merck’s other formulation of the drug, Fosamax Plus D (alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol), is expected to lose exclusivity in April.

Pediatric exclusivity on the Fosamax ‘575 patent expired Feb. 6. Barr has said it will share 180-day marketing exclusivity for the generic with Teva. Both companies have multiple approved applications with the FDA.