Sandoz introduced metoprolol succinate 50 mg extended release tablets, a generic equivalent of Toprol XL, in the US. Metoprolol succinate 50 mg ER is a beta-blocker used to treat angina, heart failure, and high blood pressure.

"We are pleased to be first to the market with a 50 milligram extended release generic version of this drug," said Bernhard Hampl, chief executive officer of Sandoz Inc. "It is a strong complement to our existing product line, which includes metoprolol succinate 25 milligram ER tablets."

According to IMS Health data, the 50 mg tablet of Toprol XL, with sales of $643 million in the U.S. for the 12 months ending April 2007, is the most widely dispensed strength of the drug.

Sandoz, a division of the Novartis group, is a global leader in the field of generic pharmaceuticals, offering a wide array of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents.