Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that the company expects to initiate shipments of alendronate sodium in the 35 and 70 mg once weekly dosage strengths when Fosamax loses market exclusivity, which is anticipated to occur at the close of business on February 6, 2008.

Alendronate sodium is the generic version of Merck's Fosamax tablets, indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Alendronate sodium is also indicated to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.

Under the terms of a supply agreement, Merck will manufacture and supply the alendronate sodium tablets to Watson, which will market, sell and distribute the product in the United States. Merck will receive a share of the profits from Watson's sales of the generic product in the US market. Further details on the agreement have not been disclosed.

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