Watson's generic Concerta enters market

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals has launched an authorized generic version of a Johnson & Johnson drug for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through a subsidiary, Watson said Monday.

Watson announced the launch by Watson Labs of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets under an agreement with J&J subsidiary Ortho-McNeil-Janssen.

The drug is an authorized generic version of Concerta, used to treat ADHD in patients ages 6 to 65 years. Concerta had sales of $1.5 billion during the 12-month period ended in February, according to IMS Health.