Depomed, Inc. and Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. jointly announced that the companies have expanded their co-promotion agreement to grant Watson the right to promote Depomed's ProQuin XR in the obstetrics/gynaecology (Ob/Gyn) specialty market area.

ProQuin XR is a once-daily, extended-release formulation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. This agreement expands the relationship entered into in July 2007 for the promotion to both urology and long-term care specialty areas in the United States, the companies announced in a press release.

"We are very excited about the expansion of our relationship with Watson. We are pleased to further engage an enthusiastic partner with an experienced sales force that is committed to deliver the details required to realize ProQuin's commercial potential within the Ob/Gyn and urology specialty markets," said, Carl Pelzel, president and chief executive officer, Depomed. "."

"The expansion of our relationship with Depomed for ProQuin further demonstrates our commitment both to the Ob/Gyn specialty area and to ProQuin. The additional promotion to select Ob/Gyn physicians will generate significant benefit for patients and allows us to continue to deliver high value products to Ob/Gyn physicians," said, Paul Bisaro, chief executive officer, Watson.

Pursuant to the agreement, Depomed will book top-line revenue and Watson will receive a portion of the profits. Watson and Depomed plan to re-launch ProQuin XR in the US market by the end of this year. Depomed retains manufacturing and distribution rights and Watson will be responsible for promotion to physicians in obstetrics/gynecology, urology and long-term care. Depomed also retains the right to promote ProQuin XR in other market areas, the company release said.

ProQuin XR is a once-daily extended-release formulation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and is intended to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are bacterial infections frequently caused by E. coli and are typically treated with antibiotics. Patients should not take Proquin XR if they are allergic to, or have ever had a severe reaction to, ciprofloxacin or to any other "quinolone" antibiotics. Proquin XR is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects with Proquin XR include vaginal yeast infection and headache.

Depomed, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company with two approved products on the market and other product candidates in its pipeline. The company utilizes its proven, proprietary AcuForm drug delivery technology to improve existing oral medications, allowing for extended, controlled release of medications to the upper gastrointestinal tract.

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.