Depomed, Inc. and Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that Depomed and Watson Pharma, Inc. have entered into a co-promotion agreement for ProQuin XR, Depomed's extended release formulation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Under the agreement, Depomed has granted Watson a co-exclusive right to promote ProQuin XR for the urology and long-term care specialties in the United States and its possessions, including Puerto Rico.

"We believe Watson is an ideal partner to promote ProQuin XR," said John W. Fara, Ph.D., chairman, president and chief executive officer of Depomed. "They understand the benefits of ProQuin XR and have a great deal of experience marketing specialty brand products, particularly in competitive markets," Dr Fara continued. "This agreement is specifically for urology and long-term care specialties so we have the flexibility to seek alliances in other therapeutic areas."

"Our agreement with Depomed on ProQuin is in line with our commitment to further enhance our specialty brand business," added Allen Chao, Ph.D., Watson's chairman and chief executive officer. "Urinary tract infections are one of the top 10 reasons patients visit urologists and ProQuin XR will be a nice addition to our growing portfolio of urology products as we continue to strengthen our presence in this area."

Pursuant to the agreement, Depomed will book top-line revenue and Watson will receive a portion of the profits. Watson and Depomed plan to re-launch ProQuin XR in the US urology market by the end of this year. Depomed retains manufacturing and distribution rights and Watson will be responsible for promotion to physicians in urology and long-term care.

ProQuin XR is a once-daily extended-release formulation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and is intended to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are bacterial infections frequently caused by E. coli and are typically treated with antibiotics. Patients should not take Proquin XR if they are allergic to, or have ever had a severe reaction to, ciprofloxacin or to any other "quinolone" antibiotics. Proquin XR is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects with Proquin XR include vaginal yeast infection and headache.