Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Actavis Inc. would have been anticompetitive in the markets for 21 current and future generic drugs used to treat a wide range of conditions ranging from hypertension and diabetes to anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The proposed order settling the agency’s charges required Watson and Actavis to sell the rights and assets to 18 drugs to Sandoz International GmbH and Par Pharmaceuticals, Inc and to relinquish the manufacturing and marketing rights to three other drugs.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 121-0132, Docket No. C-4373; the staff contact is Lisa De Marchi Sleigh, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2535; see press release dated October 15, 2012)

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