Executive Summary

The Corona, Calif.-based firm seeks to market generic extended-release guaifenesin pseudoephedrine HCl 600 mg/60 mg and 1200 mg/120 mg, equivalent to Reckitt Benckiser's Mucinex D and Maximum Strength Mucinex D expectorant and nasal decongestant. Watson said June 10 it appears to be the first to file an abbreviated new drug application for the product, meaning it would be entitled to 180 days of generic market exclusivity should it overcome Reckitt's patents. Reckitt filed suit against Watson June 5, as it did upon Watson's April filings to market generic Mucinex and Mucinex DM (1"The Tan Sheet" April 27, 2009, p. 10). Watson says Mucinex D products totaled about $62 million in U.S. sales for the 12 months ended March 31, based on IMS Health data