Corona-based Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Tuesday it won approval from regulators for a generic version of Johnson & Johnson’s Duragesic, a patch to treat pain.
U.S. sales of Duragesic and other generic versions are about $1.2 billion annually, according to market tracker IMS Health data.
The patch delivers fentanyl, a strong narcotic, through the skin to curb persistant moderate to severe pain.
The approval “represents a significant addition to our broad and diverse generic product portfolio,” said Allen Chao, Watson’s founder and chief executive, who lives in Anaheim Hills.
Watson plans to make the patch at a Salt Lake City plant.
The company, which has yearly sales of $2 billion, makes generic versions of drugs as well as its own brand-name products. Its market value is $3 billion.
Watson’s generics include drugs for hypertension, pain and contraceptives.
Branded drugs include treatments for urology, anemia, pain and birth control.
Duragesic has been a big seller for J & J.; Mylan Laboratories Inc. of Pennslyvania makes a generic version.
