FDA OKs generics of Merck blood pressure drugs

NEW YORK

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. said Wednesday it received Food and Drug Administration approval to start selling generic versions of Merck and Co.'s blockbuster blood pressure drugs Cozaar and Hyzaar.

The move will mark a big hit to Merck's revenue, as the two drugs together are Merck's second-highest revenue generator. In 2009, global sales of Cozaar and Hyzaar totaled $3.6 billion.

Teva, the world's largest maker of generic drugs, has 180-day marketing exclusivity on its versions of the drugs because it was the first company to file for FDA approval. Competitors cannot begin selling their own generic Cozaar and Hyzaar until the Israeli company's products have been on the market for six months.

In midday trading, Teva's U.S.-listed shares fell 27 cents to $63.50. Merck shares dipped 2 cents to $37.23.