Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (WPI), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that its subsidiary has commenced commercial shipment of its omeprazole delayed-release capsules USP product in the 40mg strength from its Davie, Florida manufacturing facility. In conjunction with the launch, Watson has 180 days of marketing exclusivity for being the first to file an ANDA containing a paragraph IV certification for the 40mg strength.

Omeprazole is the generic equivalent to AstraZeneca's Prilosec delayed-release capsules USP and is indicated for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer. For the 12-months ending March 2008, Prilosec delayed-release capsules and its generic equivalents had total US sales of approximately $200 million, according to IMS Health.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Corona, California, is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets, sells and distributes brand and generic pharmaceutical products.