Watson to sell generic version of Pfizer's Revatio

Associated Press

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (AP) — Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Monday it received approval to sell a generic version of Pfizer Inc.'s drug Revatio, a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Watson said it will bring its generic to market soon. It said U.S. sales of Revatio totaled $339 million over the 12 months ended Sept. 30. The drug treats high blood pressure in lung arteries.

The main ingredient in Revatio is sildenafil citrate. That's also the main component of Pfizer's blockbuster impotence pill Viagra, which was originally developed to treat blood pressure problems. Viagra tablets contain larger doses of the drug than Revatio, and generic versions of Viagra are not expected to reach the market until late 2019.

Shares of Watson rose 57 cents to $85.67 in morning trading. Pfizer shares added 4 cents to $24.21.