Watson launches authorized generic menopause drug

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson has launched an authorized generic drug for treating postmenopausal women, the company said Friday.

Watson announced the launch of progesterone capsules in the 100-mg and 200-mg strengths, an authorized generic version of Abbott Labs' Prometrium, under an agreement with Abbott. Abbott will manufacture the drug and supply it to Watson, which will market and distribute it and share profits. Other terms were not disclosed, the companies said.

The drug is used to prevent endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women who have not undergone a hysterectomy and who are receiving conjugated estrogen tablets.

Prometrium had sales of about $198 million during the 12-month period ended in January, according to IMS Health.

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