Pharmaceuticals Announce Receipt of Approvable" Letter for Emsam.

Mylan Laboratories and Watson Pharmaceuticals Announce Receipt of Approvable" Letter for Emsam.

PITTSBURGH, PA/CORONA, CA (PRWEB) February 14, 2004 --Mylan Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: MYL) and Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) announced today that Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has received an Approvable" letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emsam (selegiline transdermal system), the companys transdermal therapy for which they are seeking an indication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Somerset is a joint venture between Mylan and Watson.

The FDAs letter indicates that Somerset has submitted sufficient data to support the efficacy of Emsam (20mg, 30 mg & 40mg) in the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder. Somerset has initiated discussions with the FDA to review and clarify its comments. These comments include that Somerset conduct Phase 4 post-marketing pharmacokinetic and safety studies as well as additional pharmacology/toxicology studies. In addition, Somerset will initiate discussions with the FDA regarding proposed labeling, including FDAs request to include labeling addressing tyramine dietary restrictions while taking Emsam.

We will work diligently with the FDA on the specific additional requirements needed to obtain approval of our Emsam product," said Mel Sharoky, M.D., Somersets president and chief executive officer. With over 2,000 depressed patients exposed to Emsam, we are encouraged by the products safety data and view Emsam as an important advance in the treatment of depression. At the same time, Somerset will continue its discussions to out license Emsam with a potential partner."

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