Watson receives FDA approval for Cardizem LA generic

MORRISTOWN, N.J. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Watson Pharmaceuticals drug for hypertension, Watson announced Monday.

The FDA approved Watson’s diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release tablets, a generic version of Biovail Labs International SRL’s Cardizem LA. Watson said it would launch the drug immediately.

Cardizem LA had sales of $94.1 million in 2009, according to IMS Health.