Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced that it has initiated shipments of TriNessa (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets), the authorized brand equivalent of the oral contraceptive Ortho Tri-Cyclen, marketed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. TriNessa is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women and for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females greater than or equal to 15 years of age who have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy, desire contraception, have achieved menarche, and are unresponsive to topical anti-acne medications. For the 12-months ending October 2003, Ortho Tri-Cyclen had sales of approximately $715 million, according to IMS Health data.

"The launch of TriNessa represents our fifth and largest oral contraceptive launch in 2003," said Joseph Papa, Watson's president and chief operating officer. "This launch extends Watson's industry leading oral contraceptive portfolio to 16 products and 24 strengths."

Watson has launched TriNessa as part of a supply agreement with OMJ Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an affiliate of Ortho-McNeil.

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