Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc., a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of authorised generic oxycodone HCl controlled-release tablets C-II in 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg dosage strengths under a supply agreement with Purdue Pharma L.P. Oxycodone HCl is the generic version of Purdue's OxyContin (C-II) tablets, a narcotic analgesic indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain for patients in need of a continuous round-the-clock analgesic for an extended period of time. For the 12-months ending August 2005, OxyContin and generic equivalents had sales of approximately $2.0 billion, according to IMS Health data.

Under the terms of the supply agreement, Purdue will manufacture and supply the oxycodone HCl tablets to Watson, which will market, sell and distribute the generic product in the United States. Purdue will receive a share of the profits from Watson's sales of the generic product in the US market. Watson expects to launch the product shortly, informs a company release.

Oxycodone HCl controlled-release tablets are an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to morphine. The tablets are a controlled-release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.

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.