Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, Inc., has launched Amethia (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (0.15 mg/0.03 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (0.01 mg)), the generic equivalent of Duramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Seasonique. Watson began shipping the product, following a denial by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit of a request for a temporary injunction. Duramed's lawsuit alleging that Watson's product infringes Duramed's US Patent No. 7,320,969 remains pending.

For the most recent twelve months ending April 30, 2011, Seasonique had sales of approximately $110 million, according to IMS Health data. Watson's Amethia tablets are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use an oral contraceptive.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated global specialty pharmaceutical company. The company is engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of generic pharmaceuticals and specialized branded pharmaceutical products focused on urology and women's health.