Andrx Corporation announced that, effective June 19, 2004, Andrx will begin marketing its cholesterol-lowering brand product Altocor (lovastatin extended-release tablets) under the name Altoprev.

Though product labelled Altocor may remain in the distribution channel (physicians' offices, pharmacies, warehouses, etc.) through August 15, 2004, all product and promotional materials bearing the Altocor name will be withdrawn from the distribution channel by that date. Altoprev labelled product is exactly the same as Altocor labelled product in all respects including ingredients, dosage form, strengths, appearance, manufacturer, price, etc.

This name change, previously announced by Andrx, results from FDA's desire to avoid confusion in the marketplace and the litigation initiated by Kos Pharmaceuticals Inc, alleging that the Altocor name infringes a trademark of Kos. Andrx and Kos have now settled this litigation, with Andrx making a one-time $6 million payment to Kos.